Angaalo

Rajiv Kafle started has been emerged in activism for the last two decades. It started after he himself became HIV/AIDS positive. His personal experience became a powerful voice in overcoming hurdles associated with stigma and misinformation regarding HIV/AIDS.These days Rajiv has directed his activism to legalize marijuana, and is actively advocating for its medical benefits. In this episode he shares his personal experience as a HIV positive addict to why legalizing marijuana benefits the country.

Purnima Shrestha has climbed all 8000+ meters peaks in Nepal, and is now setting eyes on the rest of the peaks in the world, starting with K2 in June. Purnima has defied her ethnicity, gender, societal expectations, and her modest family background to scale these mountains that are often beyond ordinary Nepali's financial means. Her resolve has brought her this far and she is committed in going through with her plan to scale all 14 peaks. In this episode we talk about social, cultural, and financial hurdles she has to climb over on her way to the peak. A very insightful conversation that tells audience what it takes to be a mountaineer. 

Chronic pain affects almost a quarter of the population globally; yet, there is not a clear understanding of causes, particularly from a social and psychological perspective. Pain is not only a physical manifestation of emotional state but is also a cause of emotional distress. It is often under diagnosed or misdiagnosed by physicians themselves.In this episode we talk with Dr. Grisuna Singh, an anesthesiologist who focuses on pain management. A very informative conversation to anyone suffering from any sort of pain. 

Reshu Aryal is an educationist  who is also a respected voice in women empowerment,  leadership building, and other social and inclusion issues. She has also dabbled in politics as a founding member of the Sajha Party.  At present she is serving as the education advisor to Mayor Balen Shah of Kathmandu Metropolitan city. Note: We apologize for the quality of our recording of this episode due to technical issues. 

Suresh Raj Chalise  served as the Chairman of Budhanilkantha School at a crucial juncture when the school was initiating  multiple transitions; from British to Nepali leadership and control, and from exclusively boys school to a co-ed institution, and all this was happening as the country itself was transitioning from an absolute monarchy to a multi-party democracy. His affiliation with the school started as a parent, and turned to a board member and eventually the chairperson. We spoke on various issues regarding the school and what it was trying to accomplish in Nepali society. 

Kumari is  probably just as famous identity of Nepal as Everest has been in the world. Often regarded as the living goddess, life of a Kumari is neither glamorous nor of comfort as perceived by outsiders. In this episode former Kumari Chanira Bajracharya shares her experience as a Kumari of Patan. A very informative conversation on various aspects of a Kumari before, during and after her reign. 

DIG Meera Chaudhari is Nepal Police's person in charge of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Division. Fast and unplanned growth of Kathmandu valley has put a great deal of pressure on the flow of traffic in the valley. The traffic problem is compounded by increasing number of road accidents, poor quality of roads, unsafe conditions of vehicles, and lack of proper driver's education. These factors are really testing traffic police's ability enforce and manage traffic on a day to day basis.  We discuss these issues as well as other factors that are making Kathmandu an unsafe place to drive or commute using public vehicles. 

Dr Ashley Deans is a physicist by academic training, has been a transcendental meditation practitioner and a teacher for more than three decades. He is also the Executive Director of the  Global Union of Scientists for Peace. Dr Deans has travelled across eighty countries to lecture on and implement   consciousness -based education. He has published many articles on the subject in reputed academic journals. 

Anup Subedee is an infectious diseases specialist who is committed and vocal in raising voice to alert citizens against public helth concerns, as well as holding responsible government entities on their toes to do right by the citizens. More importantly, Anup is also vocal as a citizen against the current state of affairs, and refusal of leaders who refuse to concede their failure to deliver and make ways for new faces. 

Sumana Shrestha is representing Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) as one of their twenty members in the newly elected parliament. She brings her social activism and management expertise a member of the brand new political party that gained success largely by riding the wave of people's disgruntlement with older leaders and political parties who have been ruling the country for the last thirty years without fulfilling people's needs. RSP with its new and young faces have sowed excitement and hope amongst Nepali people yet again. We talk to Sumana about her experience as an activist, an entrepreneur, and now as a political figure. 

The Himalayas are not only a great source pride for Nepal but also a good source of income for the nation and the adjacent communities who depend on visitors and climbers. Unfortunately decades of climbing, from the Everest to other peaks, have left the entire region inundated with trash. In the past few years this problem has received some attention and there has been growing call to clean, reduce and properly dispose waste taken up by expeditions. The Nepal Army has been spearheading this effort in collaboration with other government, non-government, and private entities for the lay several years. The Mountain Clean Up Campaign 2022 just concluded with flag in ceremony on the occasion of the World Environment Day.In this episode we speak with Brig. Gen Himanshu Khadka who is the Director of National Parks and Wildlife Preserve about fascinating facts and what it takes to undertake such important and monumental task. 

In this episode we speak with Karma Tamang, Chairperson of Nepal Bibeksheel Party, about her journey from a very humble beginning in Kavre to the helm of a political party that stands  on ideas that offer alternative to the status quo. Karma was involved in the party from its formative years, and continues to strive for social, political, and economic changes in Nepal. Karma shares her experiences in navigating through social hurdles in Nepal to academic and professional success in Germany where she spent almost 2 decades; and why she decided to come back and engage in politics. A very encouraging and inspirational conversation.

In this episode we speak with Prem Bahadur Bohara, an activist from Dolpa, one of the most remote and rugged districts of Nepal, about his book "Kogle". In his book Prem talks about his youth, struggles to get even the most basic education, and  how his weak  educational foundation affected his higher education.  He narrates his inspiring commitment to make a difference in the community he grew up with education. 

In this episode we speak with U S based Dr. Bishal Bhandari who is a Clinical Care Transformation Scientist, is with Medstar Health Inc. in Maryland. His  field of work include Clinical Care Analytics, Quality, and Performance Improvement as well as Population Health Projects like Diabetes Bootcamp, Community Health Advocate, Senior Services, and Transitional Guide Nursing.  Bishal is an avid data science enthusiast by his own admission; and is passionate about implementing quality and innovation in healthcare for better care access, delivery, and overall better clinical experience. One of the most important work that he does is in the area of Social Determinants of Health. SDoH are  factors beyond clinical and genetic that affect ones health. This aspect of healthcare is becoming crucial part in addressing population health. Dr. Bhandari along with some other like minded friends have analyzed available covid data, and have shared trends and predictions on various platforms. He has advised individuals and agencies that are working on covid related matters. He is passionately committed in helping Nepali healthcare systems to be more effective by sharing his knowledge with practitioners and policymakers. 

The Government of Nepal has just released the preliminary results of the recent Census. Data has raised some questions, including on the total population of the country as well as the decline in the population increase rate. In this episode we have invited Dr. Yogendra Bahadur Gurung, Professor at Tribhuvan University's Central Department of Population Studies to enlighten us on what the census indicate, and the data collection process itself. WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE SOUND QUALITY OF THIS EPISODE DUE TO SOME TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES. 

Ujjwal Bikram Thapa is a familiar name in the health activism circle in Nepal. He has really dedicated himself to burn and acid attack victims since 2015. His work involves from arranging treatment for victims at local hospitals to providing support for them to pursue independent lives. He was instrumental in getting the bill against acid attack through in Nepal.Ujjwal has been helping these victims without a fanfare or a platform of an organization. His quiet work has still received recognition in and outside of the country, and rightfully so.Ujjwal has set up an account within Sushma Koirala Memorial Hospital where anyone can donate. I hope you and your friends help victims get the needed treatment without the burden of cost associated with it. Here is the account detail:Acc name: Sushma Koirala Memorial HospitalAcc # 013200000856524Bank of KathmanduSankhu Branch, Kathmandue-sewa: 9847370799

Ms Radha Paudel, a nurse by training, is widely recognized as a writer and an activist against menstrual discrimination and restrictions. She has received Madan Puraskar for her book "Khalanga ma Hamala", a book about the Maoist attack in Jumla during the insurgency. She has also received many national and international awards for her activism against menstrual discriminatory practices and the impact it has on women.In this episode we speak to Radha about her book "Role number 1", her childhood memoir, as well as about her work on dignified menstruation. 

Nepali society is at a unique crossroad of 21st century needs and aspirations, and 19th century infrastructure and preparedness.  On one hand there is a push from the government for greater use and dependence on cyber transactions or any e-services; on the other hand country's cyber security, management, and will to improve services needs a lot of improvement.  Even our postal address system has historically lacked scientific structure. While we mainly use electronic platforms for communication purpose, it is also true that the address system of the country has to be better for e-commerce to function effectively.In this episode we speak with Bishal KC, US based cyber security expert about his experience, projects he has initiated in Nepal, and difficulties he has faced. 

Narottam Aryal has spent his entire career in the education sector, in both public and private institutions. For the last decade, as the Director of King's College,  he has been transforming  higher education by contextualizing educational process to not only benefit students and their careers, but to bring about positive changes in the society.  He sees education as public good to serve the society, whether it is done at a for profit platform or public platform. His constant search for techniques to enhance students learning is inspiring and commendable.

In this episode I speak with Dr. Dovan Rai, an academic and an activist navigating the rough waters of patriarchy and men dominated profession. Dr. Rai an ethnic minority who has defied  odds to achieve academically, socially, and professionally, is now fighting for social, political, and economic inclusion of all citizens. Inspiring conversation on her personal journey, contemporary social issues, and her profession. 

Born and brought up in Kathmandu, Moin Uddin had neither been outside of Kathmandu nor was he informed on various cultures around the country. Of many stops in his young life, Teach for Nepal's fellowship program became a crucial one. The fellowship took him outside of his comfort zone, to Sindhupalchowk where he not only experienced a very way of life,  but also found his life's calling - teaching!His newly acquired love of teaching took him to Dolpa after two year stint in Sindhupalchowk.   Although life in upper Dolpa is polar opposite of what he grew up with in Kathmandu, his determination to educate the future generation forced him to be very innovative.Fascinating conversation with Moin in this episode of Angaalo. 

In this episode I speak with Mr. Narayan Sigdel who is the headmaster of Janjyoti School in Surkhet. Narayan became the headmaster of this school at the tender age 24, when the school was accessible only on foot from the nearest town. His commitment and dedication to teach students to be successful beyond classrooms has been an exemplary initiative, and has received attention from the government as well as from financial institutions. Students at Janjyoti can gain skills on  vocations of their choice as well as earn money by marketing their products and skills in the market. They are provided financial assistance from the school, if needed; and from the banks' as of late to initiate their business ventures. The initiative is a great example of what a public school should be doing to tool students to stand on their own feet in life.Check out this inspiring personality's path to producing future entrepreneurs in Nepal. 

Enlightening conversation with Nripal Adhikary in this episode of Angaalo. An architect by training, an artist at heart, and an innovator in craft, Nripal Adhikary is (re)introducing technology and materials that have always been in our surroundings but pushed out by modern building materials. Nripal's purposeful designs are safe, aesthetically pleasing and sustainable because of local materials, mainly bamboo and earth. His work has been recognized by the international architecture community.  His ideas would be a great solution to safe and happy coexistence with nature!

A very enlightening conversation with Mr. Ajay Dixit on water, climate change, and society.Mr. Dixit, an engineer by training,  has spent his career studying, researching, teaching, and writing about different facets of water and its impact on society. Very few Nepali understand the impact of water, particularly in the context of climate change, as much as Mr. Dixit.He is recognized regionally for his expertise and often writes on issues that affect all of South Asia. We feel and see the devastation caused by natural disasters, but we overlook the society's contribution in making those incidents impact the way they do. Mr. Dixit explains our role in that. A must listen...

In this episode Gorkha's Dharche Rural Municipality Chairperson Santosh Gurung and I talk about this rural community situated in the midwest Nepal. Gurung who is in the helm of this rural municipality for the second time has plan and vision for his constituency, but lack of coordination between the federal government and the local government has left him helpless and desperate. Among other issues, Gurung voices his frustration on the prevailing practice of development model prescribed from the central government rather than model that is suitable to the local situation. The conversation highlights weaknesses of the one-size-fits-all development model, especially when there is a lack of coordination at different levels of government. 

Dr. Bishwabandhu Sharma has been practicing as a psychiatrist in Nepal for the last four decades. Mental disorders, like anywhere else in the world, is still stigmatized in the Nepali society forcing many to unnecessarily suffer and live in miserable conditions.  Having said that, with the rise in available treatment services, people are also slowly speaking out and are seeking help. In this episode Dr. Sharma and I talk about the transitions in the field of mental health, from people's perception of mental disorders to changes in treatment protocol of various disorders. We also talk about his book "Manchhe ko Man" and his experience in dealing with people with mental disorders and their family members over the course of his career. 

Hom Karki has been reporting on labor and migration related issues, particularly of the hardship faced by Nepali migrant  workers in the middle-east for almost two decades.  As the person in charge of the Kantipur's Qatar office he actually got to witness lives of migrant workers in six countries where Nepali labor force is situated from close proximity.In this episode Hom talks about his book Sanaiyaa which is filled with heart wrenching stories of  desperate workers who are stuck in situations they can't get out of, even if they tried. Unfortunately even the Nepali authorities are helpless because of limitation of resources at their disposal in addition to bureaucratic hurdles in these countries. 

Fabulous conversation with writer Anbika Giri. Her creations are more than  just stories. They portray social issues that haunt people throughout their lives. Her books are stories that are carefully woven with messages to build self esteem of people of ages.Nepal lacks child literature in general, so Anbika's creations are contributions in literature as well as social awareness topics. In this episode we visit Anbika's youth, how she got started in reading, and her inspirations for writing. We discuss her new book Naak Kasari Thado Huncha?, and an earlier book Ama Saknu Huncha.This is a must listen for parents of young readers, parents themselves, and of course everyone interested in reading in general.

Dr. Binda Pandey is a member of the parliament elected from Nuwakot. Dr. Pandey has been active in the left leaning politics since her student days. Since then she has been a vocal leader in matters related to women empowerment and trade union. Despite her amazing resume full of academic accomplishments, national and international professional experience, and committed party work; she is struggling with the glass ceiling within the party and beyond.In this episode we talk about her views on feminism, fascinating discovery of previously unreported women's role in democratic movements, and her own stance on politics of principle.  A must listen!

Dr. Swasti Sharma is a fertility specialist who is  dedicated to giving hope to those who are suffering from infertility. Infertility is a growing problem in Nepal that often goes undiagnosed for lack of services and hidden because of social stigma. It has a broader social implications, especially in rural areas. In this episode  Dr. Sharma talks about her own struggle with infertility as well as issues she faces in delivering fertility services in Nepal. She shares first hand accounts of why infertility is more than just a health issue. It is a social issue that needs destigmatized!

Ani Choying Drolma is an international singer, an activist, and a philanthropist. In this episode Ani talks about freedom, feminism, and philanthropy that are deeply rooted in her faith. The conversation takes us through her decision to become a nun as well as her life's struggles and success as described in her book Singing for Freedom. Please follow us on facebook page facebook.com/angaalopodcast for updates and all news related to the podcast. 

An inspiring conversation with Rinzin Phunjok Lama, one of the recipients of the 2021 Rolex Awards for Enterprise. Rinzin who hails from Humla, one of the remotest districts in the north-west corner of Nepal, received his award for his proposed project "Promote local initiatives for biodiversity conservation in Nepal's Trans-Himalaya"Rinzin's commitment to mountain ecology and  conservation in that remote and rugged area is commendable and is an inspiration to everyone. It is a proof that dedication to one's passion does get internationally  recognized and rewarded no matter where you work. 

In this episode we present our conversation with Dr. Prakash Raj Regmi. Dr. Regmi, a cardiologist by training,  has been practicing medicine in Nepal for the last three decades. Lately, he has been focused on Rheumatic Heart Disease, a disease that is under-diagnosed in Nepal, and many from the underserved communities are unnecessarily suffering or losing lives. The conversation also delves into healthcare system of Nepal and changes it needs to serve the population better.Dr. Regmi who is also the past president of Nepal Heart Foundation is actively involved in raising awareness of RHD. Dr. Regmi was recognized as the Heart Hero 2019 by the World Heart Federation. *There are a couple inadvertent references to rheumatic as rheumatoid. We apologize for it.

Inside look into former Maoists leader Hisila Yami, and through her, Dr. Babu Ram Bhattarai.  Hisila talks  about their lives, struggles, and achievements like never heard before. Conversation takes listeners from their personal stories to behind the scenes of Maoist movement. A glimpse into the period that has affected Nepalis in many ways. 

Insightful conversation with Dr. Devendra Raj Panday, a man who has done it all! His experience in  Nepal's bureaucracy, politics, and civic society activism span six decades, and is second to none. In this episode I speak to him about his book "Ek Jyaan Dui Juni " and his take on Nepali society given the experience he has had over the years. Dr. Panday, as the book title suggests, sees his life dissected by the events leading up to his retirement from the government career, and subsequent roles in politics and activism. 

Conversation with Ahuti, a social activist, a writer, and a politician on impact of caste system on Nepali society, and his latest book, "Jaat Barta" (Caste Conversation)