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Kosh Raj Koirala: A Journalist's Journey from Humble Beginnings to Impacting Lives

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Kosh Raj Koirala’s journey from a small village in Okhaldhunga to becoming a respected journalist and editor in Nepal is nothing short of inspiring. Born in a remote part of the country, he had to walk 2.5 hours just to attend school. He was the third of seven siblings and spent his childhood gathering with villagers to listen to Radio Nepal, fascinated by the voices that emerged from the tiny device. This curiosity led him to discover the world of journalism. A Path Shaped by Hard Work After completing Grade 7, Koirala left his village to continue his education in Sunsari and later finished his Intermediate level in Jhapa. He then started teaching in Itahari before pursuing a Bachelor’s degree. While studying, he chose journalism as an optional subject, which marked the beginning of his writing career. During this time, he contributed articles to The Himalayan Times and various tabloids, gaining valuable experience. Although he wanted to study journalism for his master’s degree, certa...

Is Air Travel Safe in Nepal?

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  Air travel in Nepal is a common way to explore the country’s beautiful, mountainous terrain, but many people wonder if it is safe. Nepal’s unique geography and weather make flying challenging, and there have been tragic accidents over the years.  Nepal’s Aviation Record: A History of Accidents Since 2000, Nepal has seen more than 20 major aviation accidents, resulting in nearly 350 deaths, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). Notable incidents include the Yeti Airlines ATR 72 crash in Pokhara in January 2023, where 72 people tragically lost their lives, and the Saurya Airlines crash in July 2024, which killed 18 near Tribhuvan International Airport during takeoff. Smaller planes like Tara Air’s Twin Otters have also been involved in multiple crashes, such as the 2022 crash near Pokhara that claimed 22 lives. Other cases include the US-Bangla Airlines crash in Kathmandu in 2018, which killed 51 people (Himalayan Times), and the Buddha Air crash near Kath...

Book Review: Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo

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Introduction Katherine Boo’s Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity is a non-fiction masterpiece that is a compelling novel. Published in 2012, this book offers an account of life in Annawadi, a slum near Mumbai’s international airport. Boo spent over three years immersing herself in the lives of Annawadi’s residents, recording their stories with vivid detail and deep empathy. The book explores themes such as poverty, inequality, hope, and resilience in a rapidly globalizing world, making it both an enlightening and thought-provoking read. Katherine Boo: A Journalist of Integrity Katherine Boo is well-known for her detailed journalism and heartfelt storytelling. Before writing Behind the Beautiful Forevers , she worked for The Washington Post and The New Yorker , focusing on poverty and social issues. In 2000, she won a Pulitzer Prize for her reporting on the mistreatment of people with disabilities in state institutions. Boo's journal...

Wings of Resilience: A Tale of Service and Sacrifice

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Saraswati has always been a dreamer with a rebellious streak. Her path to becoming a cabin crew member is a tale of resilience and service that resonates deeply, especially in the rural communities of Nepal she once served. A Childhood Fascination Turned Passion For Saraswati, the sight of an aircraft was nothing short of magical. “I’d always wonder how something so big could fly in the sky,” she recalls with a smile. Like many young girls with a fascination for aviation, she dreamed of becoming a pilot. However, the high cost of pilot training led her to consider another route into the skies—becoming a cabin crew member. “It was never just about the glamour for me,” Saraswati shares. “It was about being part of the aviation world and making a difference, even if in a small way.” Breaking Barriers and Building Independence Saraswati’s journey was anything but smooth. Growing up, she often defied societal norms and expectations. After high school, she ventured into modeling, a decision ...