REFLECTIONS A Student Magazine of Thames International College Issue 02 / 2017-18

LIVE FOR TODAY BELLE FRANCE STRANGERS AGAIN MY EXPERIENCE ON TRAINING SESSION FEMINISM IN NEPAL

4 EDITOR

Letter from the Editor

It is with great pleasure that I introduce the second edition of the college magazine, Reflections. In this edition, we’ve created a platform where students can collaborate and be creative. This magazine also provides an opportunity for people to connect with each other through artistic expressions, whether in the form of essays and stories or sketches and graphic art. We have curated each page with that in mind. We’re hoping that with each segment of Reflections, we’ll be able to see our family in a clearer picture. Having to work on the magazine was a demanding task, but the entire team worked relentlessly to get the final product out. One thing that makes me happy is the amount of support that we received from the Thames family. We are very fortunate that the entire college came together for this second edition. I would like to specially commend the work done by Mr. Anish Bhatta who worked persistently and operated at his true potential. The magazine includes stories that were written by students as part of a short-term course, Reading and Writing Stories, facilitated by Mr. Niranjan Kunwar. Several weeks of intense discussions, challenging readings, critical analysis and a good many hours led to wonderful stories that deal with our society’s sensitive issues. Over the past two decades, the college has seen a lot of people come and go. Most alumni are still attached to their formative experiences at Thames. To honor their time and memories at Thames, we present the new Alumni Section that contains pieces from past graduates. For a more holistic approach on the real world, the college allows the students to work in different organizations over the course of their college life. The magazine includes an Internship section that highlights the experiences of students’ lives at different organizations and some of the things they learned. We all know that the college conducts various events to engage students. The magazine includes an Event Highlights section that provides a glimpse of Thames’ extra-curricular spirit. The college always encourages students to pursue their interests by getting them involved in different clubs. There is a section in the magazine that describes these clubs, including their purpose, activities, team members and their yearly plans.

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS EDITOR 5

We’ve also included an interview of a renowned photographer, Mr. Santosh Raj Pathak, the recipient of the inaugural Outstanding Graduate Award, and Ms. Debanjana Bhattacharya, one of the first members to join the faculty of Thames. Along with these, we interviewed students who have been on a quest to be entrepreneurs. I personally feel that one of the most exciting sections of the magazine is the Teachers’ Section where some of the teachers of the college have included their pieces. Last year, the college’s students travelled to various places in Nepal as well as to our neighbour India and to Bhutan. Some even made it to France. We’ve included the experiences of the students and interesting stories from these trips. We have a section where some of the students from First Year share their initial experiences at the college. There is a saying that every artist was first an amateur. The magazine dedicates a section to the future artists within the Thames community. We are thankful to everyone who put the time and energy into their individual pieces for us. With beautiful poems, gorgeous sketches and some appealing articles, the contributors shared their love for their chosen form of art, some even for the first time. It is a matter of great privilege to us that we were able to provide them with a platform to present their individual talents, and making the magazine what it really is. Finally, I would like to thank everyone who helped us through this journey and start this magazine at Thames. I would like to thank Mr. Sujan Kayastha, the Academic Director of the college, who entrusted us with the responsibility of the magazine. He was there motivating us and pushing us to create something that can be a benchmark in the future. I would like to thank Ms. Kriti KC and Mr. Awishkar Lama who were always up for giving us meaningful advices. I’d also like to thank Mr. Hari Prasad Silwal, who helped us edit the Nepali pieces. Also, special thanks to Mr. Niranjan Kunwar and Mr. Saifullah Muhammad for being a constant support to us. I hope all of you enjoy the magazine a lot and excuse us for any kind of mistakes. I also hope the magazine inspires readers to step out of their comfort zones and start taking creative risks.

Mohit Rauniyar Editor

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 6 CONTENTS

REFLECTION ISSUE II CREATIVE SECTION 8–67 The Things Missing From My Life 10 August 12 cf“z' 13 Why do fools fall in love? 14 In Pursuit of Being Different 48 LIVE FOR TODAY 15 I love you papa ! 50 Unfinished 16 I for Me 52 Reasons WHY I CHOSE HIM 18 Exploring Hard Work 53 Sheila 19 How to Dance 54 The Heart that Hurt 20 Feminism in Nepal 56 The Four Walls 22 Being Foodie 58 STRANGERS AGAIN 24 How many times will you try? 59 Too Much for A Starry Night 26 The Strength of Positivity 60 FRIENDSHIP A WISE CHOICE 28 What does it take to meet the Ross… 32 great conqueror? 62 Serenity 34 Seeing the Unseen 36 d]/f tLg ;fyL 63 Society as a System 38 What is Life? 64 Death 40 Gazzing Lens 66 My Fright 41 The never ending urges of The way out 42 anormal human being 67 Love over Obsession 44 Happiness in Happiness Course 46 TRAVEL SECTION 68–85 Trip To Bhutan 70 Trip To India 74 Belle France 76 Director Merit Award 80 This is Thames 82

Coordinator The Magazine Team Advisors Special Thanks Design & Photographs Mohit Rauniyar Alisha Bhattarai Ayush Man Sherchan Hari Prashad Silwal Production Ranjan Shrestha Angirash Karki Awishkar Lama Saifuallah Muhammad Curves n’ Colors Aadarsh Shakya Ashma Rijal Kriti KC Devina Tandukar Sumit Singh Editors Ashwini Pandit Niranjan Kunwar Simran Silpakar Cover Anish Bhatta Niva Ranjit Sujan Kayastha Prajula Chitrakar Saifullah Muhammad Mohit Rauniyar Rushal Amgai

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CONTENTS 7

EVENTS HIGHLIGHT 86–99 Photography Workshop and Photo Walk with Santosh Raj Pathak 88 NORDIC TALK on ‘Future Career in Development Cooperation-Nordic vs. Nepalese Views’ 90 MOU signing with Webster University 92 Freshers and Commencement Ceremony 94 Book Talk 96 NEPAL BUSINESS GABFEST 2017 98

THAMES CLUBS 100–111 ALUMNI SECTION 142–165 SCOTIC 102 4 things every student should do before graduating 144 Social work club of Love me 147 Thames International College 103 Futility 148 Thames it Club 104 Ardent 149 The Management Club 106 Coffee Tales 150 Thames Dance Club 108 Everyone has their own story 152 Thames Emcee Club 110 I am no one 153 Theater Club 111 For you... 154 Void in my heart 155 g]kfnL /fhgLltdf o'jfsf] pkl:ylt 156 The High Pass:Annapurna Circuit Trek 158 What's next? 162 The 4 years journey at Thames 164

TEACHERS' SECTION 166–179 Towards political literacy 168 One that went 170 How are we reinforcing patriarchy? 172 Riding Through 174 Alok Vaid Menon 176 Managing Your Energy Before Time 178

INTERVIEWS SECTION 180–189 INTERNSHIP SECTION 112–119 Through My Lens 182 Thames Internship 114 The Life of a Parent-Teacher 188 My Experience on Training Session 115 Internship 116 PHOTOGRAPHS AND SKETCHES 190–206 My Internship Experience 118 My New Placeholder 119

STORIES 120–141 Maa 122 Reflections 124 Sanguine 126 Fading Away 128 In search of… 130 The Chills of Magh 132 Blessed 134 Mannequin 136 Bittersweet 138 Silhouette 140

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 8

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS 9

Creative Section

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 10

The Things Missing From My Life

Parima Bajracharya

When I was younger, Say a few years ago, When smart phones did not rule my generation. I used to get so annoyed every morning as I woke up to the sound of People laughing loudly during yoga in the neighbourhood. If not my loud neighbors, then my dog, pawpy who Wouldn’t keep it down, when birds chirped in our garden. I now always wake up to the sound of my phone ringing. I do not rush to the kitchen to get the Times to Finish Sudoku before my brother gets to it. I do not look out from the balcony and wave at my neighbor. I do not spend time staring at the stars at night while listening To vanilla twilight. Honestly, I can go on and on about all the things I loved That I’ve stopped doing now. So I guess it’s true. As my mother always tells me, I am a grown up now. A seventeen year old grown up . And after a series of regretful moments in my life, I’ve come to the realization that life is not about getting all the Things you want from the supermarket Or having the guy you always had a crush on, like you back. And it is SO NOT always about winning. Turns out

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS 11

Life has always been about all the small things That exist around us, That happen around us Things that makes us wonder, And pause And things that keeps us moving forward When I got up from my bed today After crying myself to sleep last night, “How stupid I was”, I realized I went out to the balcony and saw my neighbor playing With her new born baby daughter. I smiled. And as I cried out to my mother for my morning coffee, I saw today’s daily, folded, with a ring of coffee in the corner. I picked it up and turned to page 12 for Sudoku, Only to find it completed already, with my brothers initial In the bottom corner; R Life is so damn simple again. No one told me that all those years I spent doing nothing but something Would all be a very beautiful memory. I wonder why I spent so much time In my room, alone, thinking about people who May or may not know about my existence, About mean people About dreamy people And about a happy life. All I had to was live it.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 12 CREATIVE

August

Parima Bajracharya

You know now. What it feels like to love somebody Who will leave you one day. Breaking the already broken pieces of your heart. You know now that, that day may come any time now. You fear that you'll never be as happy as you are now, with them. You feel like screaming at them, never to leave you, thinking maybe that will help. You see now that there is nothing you can do to avoid the pain. You’re broken and and you don’t know how to mend yourself. You’re lost and you think that you’ve got nothing to lose anymore. You wish you'll be the one to leave. Only because you don’t want to see them go. You want to carry all their pain and give them all your happiness. But you realize that it’s the one thing you don’t have anymore. All will be okay. Very soon, A

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 13

cf“z' dgsf] l9:sf]df ofbx?sf] af9Lsf] 7Ss/ ddf{xt cf“vfdf cf“z'sf nKsfx? ?g] t s]jn Pp6f axfgf xf] cl:t d /f]P hLjgnfO{ ga'em]/ Harikrishna Adhikari lxhf] d /f]P hLjgdf cNdlnP/ BBA 4th semester cfh d ?G5' kL8fdf clNemP/ ef]ln d ?g]5' clttdf alNemP/ clg d clGtd d't{efjdf /f]O/xG5' === lg/Gt/ === lg/Gt/

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 14 CREATIVE

hen you fall in love, it's your heart taking over Wyour brain with its weapon of choice, temporary madness. This phase of your heart makes you see what’s invisible to the eyes. Insomnia feels better than dreams. You stop caring about the things that used to matter to you. Time takes you to a beautiful journey where you find satisfaction in the smallest of things. It is like the warmth of sunlight on a gloomy winter afternoon. But when love hurts, it disbalances the theme of your life. Love makes you go numb. It is the kind of feeling where you don't care about anything except the happiness of your partner. Love can’t be defined. When the most beautiful of souls might turn out to be demons, it destroys the other from within. Time brings you glorious moments of love but that same time can tear you to pieces from the core. Sometimes time makes you leave the person you love but it's said that if you love someone, give them the option to leave but never give them a reason to leave. But the person who truly loves you will never stop loving you from heart no matter wherever time takes you in life. Why do fools fall in love? Luna Regmi, BASW

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 15

Today is the present. Today is God’s gift to us and what we do with it is our gift LIVE back to him. Yesterday, with all its regrets- memories and mistakes, is placed behind us. The only time which we can best utilize FOR is today. Life is a long journey amidst various aspects of joy, suffering, pain, excitement and similar. We don’t know TODAY what tomorrow holds, but we can impact tomorrow with our choices for today.

Tomorrow is a big question mark. Repenting on yesterday and worrying about tomorrow is worthless. Working today at right moment showers us with fruitful achievements. Various things can be done in order to make our life grateful.

We can place the past behind us and embrace a new beginning for a bright future by simply remembering that today matters. Just like river never flows back; every moment which we pass, never returns.

Live for today because yesterday has gone and tomorrow may never come. Today Urusha Shrestha is full of bright hopes, majestic values & BBA (4th sem) wonderful plans of future.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 16 CREATIVE Unfinished Rushal Amgai

only asked for some the phone yesterday, I hope looks like it was run over by milk, not blood. Freaking you remember.” a cheese grater, how could sociopath! I possibly be able to carry I “Of course, I do Jerry. on my acting career. Later, A bohemian who was rather It was a cute and short my sponsors, agents and unconventional, bodily conversation. Exactly my even fans shoved me aside, and socially, ran out of a type of phone call”. left to be forgotten. But I house located in Hollywood didn’t want any negative “Then we should not be Hills. His baggy pant was criticism and judgements wasting any time Wade. completely soaked in drawn towards me, so I cut Let’s begin.” blood. Using his left hand all my ties and decided to to support his injured leg, “Seriously! Well you might start a peaceful and simple he tried to pick up some be sorry to ask about it. I life where I will not take any pace and ran away from the mean, you might develop crap from anyone. house. some feelings for me. But I And that’s my story.” He told will try to keep the sad part A man wearing a trench coat the Hollywood writer. Every and a flat cap, carrying a to minimum.” Wade begins heavy briefcase and lots of slowly. But the writer then asked time I was empty sheets tackled the him, “but what were you “It begins with me in bohemian. He got confused before all of that? Who was ridiculous amounts of pain. confronted seeing this uncanny Wade? Not the diseased I even had sharp needles situation. maniac, but Wade himself.” with a jabbing through my wind horrible He walked in the front door pipes. But what’s depressing So, Wade continued to to see a man who looked like is that I volunteered for that. explain. situation, I a chewed-up hamburger. I had no option, because it He was lying on his couch was either a painful death of Wade was an idiot. He was saw only two covering his haunting face, my acting career from last an actor with a moral code. holding a glass of brandy stage skin disease or these He would take jobs that he reactions and a broken vase. The experimental trials. So, I believed in instead of jobs whole room was a wreck, decided to go through this for money. He’d go out, that I could blood stains on the couch, treatment anyway.” get a movie done, win an papers all over the floor, award because he deserved “As the staffs slowly peeled take: laughter pieces of glass on the coffee it and then come home to off the bandage from my table, it seemed devastating. his girlfriend in Boston. or tears. And skin, all of the doctors His life was great until he “You came here to taste around were shocked at my got the news that he had a laughter some blood too?” asked the appearance. I asked if I had chronic skin disease. So, he always man on the couch. lost my hair. Right off the left that life behind because bat, I looked like a 64-bit he refused to become a seemed like “No, oh god no. I’m Jerry, drawing made by a 5-year- burden on anyone in his life Hollywood writer. I came old. No matter how many ever again. This eventually the better here to listen to your story experiments or treatments I led him to experimental Wade, see if we can turn it went through, my skin never treatments in a sane attempt cure. into a movie. We talked on healed. With a face that to cure his disease.

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 17

And then we go to the needles knock-knock game just to see But what about your dad? in my wind pipes and etc. if he would reappear but he Did you ever tried to contact “Seriously! etc. never did. him? Well you “No. Wade, I want to know After my dad left, my mother Nope. I just didn’t want to about young Wade. Before tried to ease the pain bother. might be all of this, all this acting and with booze and ordering sorry to crappy stuff.” interrupts the junk from cable. She joked The movie writer looked writer. about everything, even the at Wade and told him that ask about crippling debt that she had they’re going to make an “You’re joking right.” Wade racked up. I blamed myself amazing movie. 35 months it. I mean, said looking at the man. and I told myself that she later, Wade went to his would be fine if she didn’t own movie premiere but it you might Well alright then. have to worry about me. wasn’t exactly what he was expecting. There were most develop Wade took a sip of his So, I left and started to aspects that covered his brandy. pursue acting as a career story but Wade knew that some feelings My dad was a real kidder. that most broke young there was an unfinished for me. But He had a routine where he Americans would do, which business and the movie was would go behind the front led me to becoming a still raw. Just because of I will try to door and knock and then I superstar and then, a guy that, the whole movie felt would answer with who’s who looks like a chewed- rather incomplete. keep the hamburger. Yeah, I know there? And he would tell me Wade had had enough and Harry. Then I would ask what you thought when you sad part to first saw me Jerry. he walked outside and Harry who? And he would punctured the writer’s reply saying Harry up, it’s minimum.” Every time I was confronted car. Then, he decided to cold outside. with a horrible situation, I do one more thing that he Wade begins But then one day he slipped saw only two reactions that I had never worked up the behind the door and never could take: laughter or tears. courage to do. slowly. came back. I would do our And laughter always seemed like the better cure. Even though Wade told the movie writer that he didn’t want to bother when he asked Wade why he didn’t look into his dad. That was a lie, Wade didn’t want to show his sensitive side which he held inside of him for years.

Wade had dug up the address long ago. So, he hopped on his bike, walked up to the door at a lonely house in the middle of a deserted land and he knocked. An old man answered asking, “who’s there?” Wade. “Wade, who?” Wade replied slowly taking his helmet off, wait till you see what happened to me dad.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 18 CREATIVE

hey picture me with a future. Whether or not he reaches to Reasons different type of guy. They perfection, he'll always be more than think it's not worth taking I ever thought I needed. seriously. They just don’t WHY I see it. I never feel distanced with him. We T not only want to learn everything But I see it and I feel it. there is to learn about each other, CHOSE but we also want to teach each other I see it in his endless effort to choose the things we didn't know about me every day. From my moody ourselves. HIM mornings to my restless night, he never looks elsewhere for something I never see him fail to be what I need, simple. He stays and he fights for no matter the situation. He's a child this. Even when our love is beyond when I need to be reminded that life secure and it feels like nothing can is too short to take seriously. He's break us, I can feel him fight for us. my best friend when I can't find the He knows what I deserve and he words to my feelings and just need never wants me to feel anything less someone who gets it and can handle than that type of love. my silence. He's my partner in crime when I need a push out of my I feel it in the way he makes me laugh comfort zone. He's my one when I even when I feel like it's pointless to need to be grabbed by the waist and find a reason to. When I am heavy on Tusti Shrestha kissed on the forehead so I can feel my head, I can feel him lifting me up beautiful, loved and wanted. BSW 2nd year from those heavy thoughts. I choose him because there is I see it in his ambition to be his best nothing as peaceful as his presence. self, but not for himself. He strives There's no laugh I'd rather hear, no to be better for his friends, his touch I'd rather feel, and no life I'd family, me, the both of us, and our rather live without him.

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 19 SHEILA Alisha Bhattrai, BSW 2nd year

The problem is “I have loved you separation. certificate, not agreeing to get reality, individuality when I was seven He was there in the married at the age and independence. and I do even more airport to pick her of 25. A girl, away The problem is now that I’m 23. But up. Their first hug from home, without each of us waking how am I supposed after five years, her any bridges back up with a different to forget the heart filled with to Nepal and living dream. The problem purpose of my life, warmth, but she felt with the love away How is is it’s easy to bond core of my dreams empty. but difficult to bind. and my parent’s from her love. someone In response to his expectations?”, she How is someone Returning with “I love you” all she asked. supposed to feel another soul to when they have take care of and supposed to had was teary eyes, “I love you. Isn’t murdered their then living your screaming heart, that enough?”, he dream for the sake dream is not what silent mouth and an responded with cold feel when of their partner? a commoner could empty soul. voice. Little did she dare. they have He wanted to fly, fly know, how cold her Being married, to the USA, to the warm-hearted man bearing children Some decide to land of dreams. Well could be. and dying was smile whereas some murdered not her plan. She decide to be the she, she wanted to “So, do I, why don’t wanted change. reason behind the fly higher than her you come back their dream She wanted to smile. Sheila left her dreams and live home?” her life. You half- witness positivity home, her parents for the sake heartedly choose “I am home.” in each step she and her love but took. She realized between someone “That’s house, not a found happiness. this not Texas, it is of their you want to live home.” Happiness in every with and something Taplejung. Huma bulb that glowed at partner? you want to live for, Silence ran within was only four Taplejung. Sheila but either way, life both of them. Minds years old when her had everything. loses a wing and full of words. It parents decided to A boyfriend in forgets to fly. sure is difficult to part their ways. Texas, parents understand how in Kathmandu, Two years of It’s not that they two people crave to well to do house departure and didn’t make any talk to each other, and a graduation still, she wakes effort but life but are speechless certificate. She up expecting for happened, reality every time they get could have easily his glance. Her occurred and a chance. lived a soothing life inconsolable heart expectations ruined but that’s not how thinks of him every “Graduation day it all. You can’t inspirational people second but the was fun”, she said. choose sugar and live. They live with minute they talk, spice at the same “Really?” he asked. struggle and pain. they fight, they fight time. She realized “How will you know, Smile on others face for togetherness. it at 50th year of you are just 12 is all they gain. This Little did they know, her life with short standard pass”, she was Sheila. There only being close is bob layered strikes mocked. is Sheila in each of not being together. of hair. If you’re us, let Sheila scream Kilometers or It’s amazing how thinking who she from the bottom of miles don’t define you can tease, mock is, she is Sheila. your heart, let her togetherness; jet and still not bother Sheila, the lady who voice be heard. planes connect about hurting with dared, dreamed airports not people. words, because and did it. Holding what hurts is a graduation

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 20 CREATIVE

The Heart that Hurt

ver wondered what it feels like when the person you bared your heart to, turns into someone unimaginable in split seconds and leaves you shattered into pieces? Like something just got into their head and the next thing you know they are this whole new person you have no idea about. I am not talking about medical Eissues or anything of such sort here, the person was in their right state of mind but, I don’t know, things take turn in the heat of the moment. Or maybe, just maybe, they were waiting for that very moment to blast off and end things with you. You were one of a kind, like no other, and beautiful in your own Ankit Khadka way. A fun person to be with, witty and honest, yet very sarcastic. BIM 1st Semester Every time I held you in my arms or ran my fingers through your hair (which you obviously didn’t like because you thought of it as a cliché thing to do), it felt like I could not be any happier. Now I’m losing you in a thousand faces and I feel like we are as close as strangers. You are a ghost, a ghost from my past. Your memory still haunts me. I remember the smell of your hair and the touch of your skin but those days are gone. Time shall untangle these once intertwined souls. Heartbreak feels cold and it hurts, you hope you'll get over it in a matter of time but you won't. What hurts the most is the next part, the moment when you hear they have found someone else. You hate the thought of that other person. I have been asked a lot by my friends about my inability to let this thought go. I always ran out of words to say. I thought I wanted to know if I wronged her in any way or what I missed out on. Then again, I thought, am I the one being wronged? There were lots of questions in my mind floating around and knocking me down, then I realized I was looking for a reason you left it all like it was nothing. My mind still cycles with rage, agitation, guilt and all sorts of emotions, it all comes like a wave.

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 21

Love can sometimes turn into poison, it takes an inside job to unleash this wrath. I tried, tried every antidote but I guess it was too strong of a poison. Our love no longer lives.

Love can sometimes turn into poison, swear you will find someone who will it takes an inside job to unleash this turn your world upside down. wrath. I tried, tried every antidote but I The dying light will again see a new guess it was too strong of a poison. Our day, there are more dreams for us love no longer lives. One thing I have to chase after, laughter to share, learned throughout these years; I shall foolishness to talk about, this time 'You' never dwell around what has already and 'I' on our own. You are special, the happened, there is so much better out memories we shared, I will remember there waiting for you. Don’t just drown for a lifetime and all I wish for you is in the sorrow of someone taking a toll happiness in life. Hope you wish the on you, be who you truly are and I same for me.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 22 CREATIVE

The Four Walls Silbiya Shrestha, BBA 1st Semester

magine if you were handicapped or differently abled, How would you see the world? Difficult? Disgusting? Stressed? Obviously, life wouldn’t be easy, would it? Same goes with Prasista. The happiness and excitement for the first baby of the parents, shattered. The doctor said that it’s a daughter and Iunfortunately had problem with both her legs. She didn’t have much problems when she was small but as time passed, she started building up the thought that she was a big burden for her parents. She grew up to be a beautiful girl with bright eyes and curly brown hair, fair complexion, long pointed nose and the perfect face cut, every quality that a model possesses. She was very creative since her childhood days. Whenever she was free she used to get engaged in craft works, paintings, stitching etc. Her favorite thing to do was stitch and her aim was to become a renowned fashion designer. Despite belonging to a low class family, with limited income, her parents managed to send her to a boarding school where they taught people who were physically challenged. Their neighbors and relatives never liked that. Being born a girl is never a mistake but in the corrupted society like ours, the girls have always been cursed for their gender. They thought, she could not achieve anything even if she gets educated just because she wasn’t “normal”. Even though if she becomes a well reputed person that would be of no use because she is a girl and would have to leave the

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 23

house someday. This mentality of Prabina would sell it to her friends. people never let her and her family Later. they started doing the online She started members live in peace. Later, even business. But her parents didn’t going to her parents got fed up of her and know about this. The money to decided not to let her study further. buy the threads, clothes and other primary The people had already filled her materials was sufficient due to her parents mind with all those horrible earnings. Prasista was extremely schools, made thoughts. That was the time she happy and satisfied because her aim started feeling hopeless and hated was to be a fashion designer but she new friends, herself because she had no one could not fulfill it, because of her to share her problems. Even her condition and the corrupted society. and learnt parents gave up on her. But the daily practice of selling and new things. designing made her a professional. As time passed they gave birth to another baby. It was a girl again but Later, they decided to inform about The saddest this time she was all physically fit this to their family. Prasista was part was that and perfect in her own way. They very scared because she was afraid gave her a name. She started going that her parents would not accept her parents to primary schools, made new what she was doing but Prabina friends, and learnt new things. The convinced her and however at last never let her be saddest part was that her parents they managed to tell everything to never let her be friendly with their mother and father. But they friendly with Prasista. They wouldn’t want her to were very happy with Prasista and get bad influence of her sister for her work and decided to support Prasista. They not being able to do anything in her her. With the mutual cooperation of wouldn’t want life. Prabina didn’t bother looking her family members, they decided to at her either because she was too open a boutique. They named it as her to get bad young to understand all these and "Chimera" which meant dream. With was just obeying her parent's words. a very little capital invested, they had influence of her But later when she started growing no idea how long the business would up in her teenage she always used prosper but the people really liked sister for not to question her parents why was her her new designs and would never being able to do sister hated. But her mother always get enough of shopping at hers. used to end the topic by saying her Seeing this, Prasista's parents also anything in her not to interfere in this matter and helped her with the money. With just focus on her studies. But Prabina this money she made her business life. being a good sister she used to go to larger by importing and exporting Prasista and give her company, listen the goods that she made inside and to her problems and would give outside the country. her level best just to see her elder The work she did inside the four sister smile. Prasista used to love her walls of her room resulted to an company. astonishing outcome. She is now Prasista never lost hope. Apart from praised for her deeds even by her books, her interest in stitching relatives and neighbors who always and sewing motivated her to do demotivated her. She was never something in life. So she used to a problematic child but it was the pass her days by stitching the society that made her parents lose cloth she had. She was lucky to hope in her. Due to her hard work get Prabina as her sister because and never ending effort her parents Prabina always motivated her to do were also very proud of her. something better. Prabina used to Never give up and always believe in bring her the materials she needed. oneself. And the clothes that she made,

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 24 STRANGERS AGAIN

ook I’m sorry I brought it up. Can you Problems continued and just decide and I’ll do whatever you say”, I argument we unsolved. “Lgasped trying to end the argument. “No Josh, not this time. I can’t tell you what to do Marissa and I reached because you’re going to use it against me later saying I always do what you say. No more.” She said like she to the worst stage ever was tired of everything.

which was breaking up! It wasn’t always like this. I can’t remember when it wasn’t but I am sure we weren’t like this. She was my We decided to leave each unicorn. She was unbelievable, crazy, special and she was the girl I thought could never exist but as the other for good. time went on from one stage of our relationship to the next, path that started off so innocent and fun has taken us to tears and arguments but like most, we started out as STRANGERS. www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 25

I don’t remember the exact day All I wanted was to know more but it was the month of April. I about her. She was the only girl was so bored that I decided to I talked to. She was my number walk around the park. I paused one priority. She was everything as I reached the entrance to the I thought would be perfect in a park. I couldn’t believe my eyes girl. when I saw this beautiful pale woman with cascading beautiful As soon as I felt right, I asked her curls. She was more than to be my girlfriend. We began beautiful, she was sublime. our relation and it was the time we can finally express our feeling Even from a distance of twenty to each other. We knew every paces, I could see her dark eyes little thing about each other and flickering, her pink lips curving like normal happy couple we into a small smile. were so comfortable with each other. “Hello” she called. Being comfortable isn’t Amy Maharjan “Hello...” I croaked as I breathed necessarily bad, it’s the time BIM 1st Semester I smelled a heavy combination of when we can truly be ourselves. ginger and lemon. “Your shoes But it depends on what we do are untied” she said with her with that comfort. Some of us playful voice. use it positively continuing to I don’t work at our relationships but remember the “Thank you, miss...” I asked “It’s others allow to create distance Marissa and you are? “She asked. and for me and Marissa, we exact day but it I was tongue tied by her beauty. made us take each other for was the month I wasn’t sure whether I should be granted. mortified or thankful. of April. I was Whether it’s taking each other so bored that Next morning, I went to park for granted or changing over again with all high hopes and time, at the end of the day I decided to intentions to see her. There someone stops trying and walk around the she was, in her simple white feelings aren’t as strong as sweatshirt yet looking like an before. This could happen over a park. I paused angel. I straightened my back few months or few years, for us as I reached the and stared at her lithe figure and it was about a year and half. her beautiful face. entrance to the Somehow the girl I was so crazy park. I couldn’t I couldn’t even call out her name. about a year ago had turned I thought to myself that I have into someone who isn’t so believe my eyes to talk to her. She smiled at me special anymore. It happened when I saw displaying perfectly straight so gradually that I didn’t see it white teeth.”Hey Marissa!”, coming. We were just tolerating this beautiful I called out and then our each other. pale women conversation began. We even Problems continued and exchanged our numbers. with cascading argument we unsolved. Marissa beautiful curls. It was too early to say or even and I reached to the worst stage think about it. I was in love with ever which was breaking up! We She was more her. Maybe it’s love at first sight decided to leave each other for than beautiful. or just an attraction. Whatever good. This stage is when the two it was, it wasn’t just me. It was a of us found a new path. One that She was mutual feeling. leads right back to where we sublime. started - being stranger again.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 26 CREATIVE

Too Much for A Starry Night

Aseem Khatiwada, BIM 1st Semester

ino sits there on his couch looking “I’m from Italy, here to visit your country.” at the stars and the streets from the “Well, then I guess you need someone to window. With a joint in one hand and Z show you around.” coffee on the other his thoughts travel from one place to another. The faint sound of the She giggled and I agreed. We decided to love song playing in the other room takes meet again. him back in time and tears start rolling I went to the hotel grinning, thinking about down his cheeks. her. The idea of a day with a beautiful girl 7 years ago roaming the city wasn’t letting me sleep. For an Italian, the rude Americans were The next day, I went to the same bar where unbearable. On top of that, it was my first we decided to meet. She kept me waiting time in a new country all alone. With not for an hour and just as my disappointment so good communication skills and a foreign was tingling, she showed up. I could not accent, I could feel the piercing looks of hear her apologies over the spectacle of the people around. beautiful movement of her lips. I was happy about her arrival and couldn't stop smiling. I sat alone inside a small bar near the Times Square, drinking a Budweiser. I couldn’t We went to every place she knew in the understand why all these American girls city. I don’t know whether it was the place were obsessed with blonde hair. My eyes or her company that kept me excited met with a girl sitting alone in the corner throughout the tiring day. table. I paused drinking to look at her. I It was already 7 in the evening when we couldn’t get my eyes off her wavy blonde decided to go home. She invited me over hair, her cute little nose, those red lips and to her place for a cup of coffee and I gladly her sparkling eyes. She looked breathtaking accepted. I sat on the sofa as she made in that black dress. She smiled and looked coffee. We sat there and talked about away as she caught me staring. things from our family to what we dream I gathered all my courage, took a deep of. After an awkward silence, we both were breath and walked up to join her. She staring at each other. We both moved in instantly started the conversation. at once so our noses banged. We both instantly moved back, only to look at each “Hi,I’m Brooke.” other with a giggle. We ended up kissing I nervously replied, “Hi, I’m Zino.” though. “You don’t seem to be from around here. I spent all my remaining days in the states I’ve never seen you here before.” with her. She toured with we around the

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 27

country. But now, it was time to get back. I We were laying on the back of my truck, had one more day before my return flight. staring at the stars when I got on my knee and That critical moment was here, What about took out the ring, I could see tears in her eyes. us? We both argued about what to do and “I don’t know if I’m moving too fast or not but, tried to prove why the other should stay in all I know is that I want to spend the rest of their country. In the end, she stayed and I my life with you, have our own family and love returned. you endlessly. So, I ask you, Brooke Miller, I don’t know whether she too thought about would you do the honor of marrying me and me or not but I surely miss her. I tried calling making my life perfect?” her many times, but she did not answer. A As soon as I said that, a car coming downhill week later, she called me. We talked and skid and hit the talked and I felt like I could have never been truck. I tried all happier. I could to catch Months passed, but we both didn’t know what her. I banged on to do. At last,I convinced her to come to Italy. the tree to the “Women are so hard” I thought to myself. side, I could hear “They say yes and mean no. They say no and her screaming mean yes.” as she fell along with the truck I went to receive her at the airport. When she and the car. saw me, she came running and hugged me. I saw her die “I missed you.”, I said. right in front of She kept hugging me and when she finally me but I couldn’t released me, she slapped me and said, “For do anything coming here alone.” except watch helplessly. She held my arm as we walked towards the car. I looked at my watch and asked her about I don’t remember what she wanted to do for the evening. She what happened wanted to go for a long ride so we left her after that, but bags, grabbed some snacks and hit the road.. I woke up in a hospital bed. All I My truck was running smooth until the tyre could think about went flat. She sat inside the truck while I were my dreams changed the tyre. with her. I got inside the truck, sat on my seat and kept He sits there my hand on her thigh as she looked at me. trying to control She blushed and hid behind her fabulous hair. his tears but I laughed and started driving. all he can do is I was so very happy that she was by my side. silently sob in her I didn’t ever want to let go of her. I was about memory. He looks to ask her to marry me and I had my fingers up and yells at crossed. I didn’t know what was about to God. “Why can’t happen a minute later but I was dreaming of I be with her? spending the rest of my life with her. Why did you have to take her from After a two-hour long drive, we reached my life? All I wanted was to be happy with her. Palma. Palma is a hill just outside the city Why did you have to ruin it? What is the use of which flaunts the scenery that could be seen my life if I can’t spend it with her?” from there. He wishes to die, but death doesn’t come easy to The sparkling stars along with the bright full those who wish. moon so beautiful but I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. He blankly stares at the ceiling as he slowly falls asleep, heartbroken with her memory.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 28

They started facing economical problems as drugs were very expensive and they didn’t have that much money. So they decided to stop going to the classes and rather have drugs.

FRIEND SHIP

Raunak Sainju, BIM 1st Semester www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS 29

abal lived in Biratnagar. He belonged to a middle class family. His father used to fulfill all his little wishes. He passed his SLC with flying colors. He was the first one in his family to get a distinction. Everyone was so Shappy and later he opted to study science in his hometown. He was a brilliant student in college too and all his teachers liked him.

His lifestyle started changing. He started hanging out with new friends. All of his new friends were smokers. He had never tried it, but one day his friends forced into giving in. He couldn’t say no, so he grabbed the cigarette. Then slowly, day by day, the cigarette grabbed him. Sabal also had a girlfriend who was very pretty and intelligent. She asked him to leave smoking but he was addicted to it. She didn’t like his friends. She insisted that he not hang out with them. He didn’t do anything so she left him.

Nothing was able to stop him from studying, not even his breakup. He was very consistent in his studies. Then his friends started planning trips. They had planned a trip to Dharan. Sabal was also invited. Sabal lied to his parents that it was a compulsory college activity. His father trusted him and allowed him to go. The next day they met in front of the college. Sabal noticed his friends and two strange people along. Both had long hair and red eyes. They went to Dharan and started exploring. Later that night, his friends pulled out some small plastics and started FRIEND SHIP

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 30 CREATIVE

filling it in a cigarette. Sabal indulged into drugs. The first was shocked to see that. He time they took drugs they could curiously asked his friend about not even remember their names. their activity and he explained They had become addicted to him that it was marijuana. He drugs in a short period of time. immediately asked to try it. He They started facing economic took a huge amount of marijuana problems as drugs were very which made him so high that he expensive and they didn’t have could not remember anything. that much money. So they The feeling he got was so good decided to stop going to the for him and hence he wanted to classes and rather have drugs. His high have more. The next morning, Then when entrance exams Sabal again asked his friends started they could not pass in school ended for marijuana and requested his any college. Luckily, they got in a sad friends to teach him. admitted in Khwopa Engineering College in Bhaktapur because his note as he His studies started degrading father knew the principal. as his only focus was on just scored marijuana. He was so addicted Monetary problems started pass marks. that he started having it daily. He striking them due to their daily couldn’t sleep without marijuana. use of drugs and marijuana. Everyone Even though, his behavior and So, he and his friends started respect towards his parent had selling it too. He also started was very not changed. He was so well to visit Biratnagar more often. shocked with behaved that everyone liked him. Whenever asked he used to say that they are having holidays. his results. His high school ended in a sad The visits became more often. He acted note as he just scored pass One day he suddenly went to marks. Everyone was very Biratnagar and stayed there. to be sad in shocked with his results. He Then while returning Sabal’s acted to be sad in front of his father dropped him to the bus front of his family and his family motivated station and wished him goodbye. family and him and asked to do good Then the next morning Sabal’s in Bachelors. He had a long father called him in order to ask his family vacation. He started taking where he was and he said that he motivated entrance preparation classes in had reached Kathmandu. Then Kathmandu and stayed there after a few hours when his father him and with his friends. Rather than called again, he said that he will studying they were busy smoking call the next day as he was very asked to cigarettes and marijuana as tired. The next morning Sabal’s do good in it was easily available. They father called him again but his started going to red-light areas phone was switched off. He Bachelors. and from there they also got thought that Sabal was in college

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE FRIENDSHIP 31

and he thought of calling police then added he was a bit him later. Then Sabal’s father on drugs when we found him No possibilities became so busy he didn’t get and had red eyes. He also lied were there for time to call. before that his parents was out of country while the police Sabal to get Sabal was out of reach in the investigated him. morning too. Then Sabal’s out of the jail. uncle was going for a walk No possibilities were there Later when to buy milk and newspaper. for Sabal to get out of the He bought a newspaper only jail. Later when his parents his parents to see that Sabal was caught investigated in college they by the police for smuggling found that Sabal does not investigated drugs in the airport and is attend and has not even given in college they under police custody. Sabal’s exams. His family members uncle was in shock. He quickly were shocked to hear it. No found that went to meet Sabal’s father one could believe it. Sabal Sabal does not and told him about the news. always tells that he is guilty. He Then they went to the police later admitted he used to take attend and has station. There they saw Sabal drugs and was really smuggling handcuffed. They asked what those for the sake of money. not even given actually happened and they His father also checked his exams. were told that he was caught bank statement and found a smuggling huge amount of girl kept on depositing money drugs in the airport. His father in his account. This wasn’t broke down and asked how the only time he did that. He he was caught there because had done it several times. He he himself had dropped him used to go to Jogbani as the to the bus station. Then Sabal drugs found there was cheap said that he did not go back and also easily available. That to Kathmandu whereas stayed was the reason he used to visit in Jogbani with his friends. Biratnagar more often. The police showed them a box which was beautifully packed Sabal is still in the jail serving like a gift. Inside the box there for his mistakes. He has been were some packets of drugs. sentenced to jail for 5 years Then when Sabals father asked for smuggling drugs. He now what it was he said that a guy wants to study from the jail gave it to him whom he did not and give the exams. He still know and was asked to take it cries for the mistakes he to Kathmandu and a girl will had done and also asked his come to pick it up and also was parents forgiveness for hurting told it was a birthday gift. The them.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 32 CREATIVE Ross…

Ayush Shakya, BIM 1st Semester

oss really loved Dinosaurs. He “I forgot all about her”, says Ross For a moment, Ross was in love all studied Paleontology in NYU hoping Monica wouldn’t remember over again. It had been a few years Rand was Monica’s brother. how much he liked her. that he had not seen her but he has He picked his sister up from the been in love with Rachel since ninth airport. She’d arrived from a hectic “I know you haven’t”, says Monica. grade typing class. Rachel never flight from Long Island and she thought of Ross in the same way. Monica then tells Ross that she is didn’t want to wait around for a Monica knew about it and thought it starving. Ross, being a good brother cab. They drove up together to the was best to never tell her about it. he takes her to the canteen for college and chatted up together. some lunch. As they walk up to their They saw each other after 2 years. Chandler and Ross were seniors and table, Ross sees Rachel in the corner They talked about their parents and usually never hung out with Rachel eating all alone. Monica sees her how they turned her room into a and Monica but met occasionally. and yells her name in happiness and gym while Ross’s room was turned Ross saw a handful of boyfriends Rachel comes running along to hug into a museum full of individual come and go in Rachel’s life and her. It turns out Rachel had arrived trophies and merit awards. Ross as jealous as he was, he never said to the college on the same day but told her about his high school friend anything to Rachel as he thought had no one to talk to until she met Chandler, and how they share a it would destroy their friendship. Monica. room together. He never did for years and his year for graduation had come. They lost Ross signals Monica to introduce They arrived to college and Ross touch and wouldn’t see each other him again. showed Monica around the college. for years. As they were walking around the “You remember my brother, Ross. After graduating, Ross decided to alley, Monica mentions her high He’s a senior here. He’s been stay in New York and work in a school friend Rachel, who Ross had showing me around.” says Monica. museum. He lived alone in Queens a major crush on, that she had seen and Chandler lived across the street her a few days ago in New York. “Of course” says Rachel as she gave in an apartment along with his him a hug too.

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 33

roommate Joey. The guys hung out Central Perk and as Ross would see Ross was in distress as well. all the time in the coffee house and her every day, he fell in love more lived off their single lives. deeply. They would see each other “This is the girl that I have loved every day and hang out. After some since ninth grade and there’s Julie”, After a few years, Monica graduated weeks, Ross had to go to Japan for says Ross to Chandler. as well and lost touch with Rachel. a conference on the day of Rachel’s “You must choose one. You have to”, Monica lived next door to Chandler birthday. He didn’t want to go but says Monica. and Joey, and was secretly in a he had to. He gave her a beautiful relationship with Chandler. Monica necklace that she mentioned to “I will” cries Ross. lived with her roommate Phoebe him a while ago. She started to feel Buffay and all five of them hung out something for Ross too and tells it Rachel, who was heartbroken, all the time at Central Perk, a coffee to Monica. Monica was delighted searches for guys to date to forget house in the central part of Queens. on the inside but decided not to about Ross. She finds an Italian One day, at the coffee house, as tell how Ross felt about her as guy, Paolo, who was handsome and they were goofing around with she didn’t want to meddle. Just as loving. She didn’t really have any each other as they always do, Ross Rachel said it, Chandler overhears feelings for him but she just wanted moans that he wants to get married the conversation and lets it slip that to forget about Ross. as he missed his ex-wife. Ross has always been in love with Rachel too. Rachel, in shock, feels Both of them were in a relationship, “I just want to be married again.” sorry for Ross as he had loved her they didn’t want to try and ignore truly for all these years while she what their heart really felt about The moment he says it, Rachel had always chased the wrong guys each other. One day, as Rachel was walks in, dressed in a white and ignored him. Never cared for closing up the coffee shop, Ross wedding dress, scared and him and thought of him as Monica’s comes in hoping for one more cup exhausted and looking for Monica. older brother. of coffee. Rachel offers him one and All the people look at her in shock asks what’s wrong. Ross explains it and Monica is the first one to walk A few days later, Ross comes back all to her about how he feels about up to her. She calms her down and from his conference and as they her and how Julie and Paolo are they all go to her apartment. see each other for the first time, between them. They look into each the feeling in the room felt a little other’s eyes and, as there is no one Rachel introduces herself to the different. Ross then goes up to at the coffee shop, they kiss. gang. She tells them that she ran meet the guys and Chandler tells away from her wedding. She calls him that he let it slip about his “I can’t love Julie half as much as I her father and explains him that feelings towards Rachel and also love you. I always have loved you she cannot marry Barry because tells him that Rachel told him that and every time I see you and Paolo, she doesn’t love him anymore. She he likes Ross as well. Ross, on the it hurts” says Ross. tells him that she will not return other hand was heartbroken and to the house and will stay with happy at the same time. He got “I love you too. I always thought of Monica and learn to live and earn tired of waiting around for Rachel you as a friend rather than a lover. at the same time because it was and had met someone on the trip to But it turns out you were both. time that she did. Rachel had come Japan. He was caught up between I would have never met Paolo if right on time as Monica was looking two worlds. He really liked Julie but it wasn’t for you. I couldn’t stand for a roommate after Phoebe Rachel was the one he had loved seeing you and Julie together. To had recently moved out of the since he was a kid. And now she make myself happy, I started dating apartment. loves him back. Paolo. If you promise to leave Julie for me, I promise to leave Paolo.” As all tides had turned in Rachel’s Julie was a paleontologist as well. says Rachel. life, Ross falls in love with Rachel She had similar interests with Ross again. All the feelings had rushed and grew a very fast and intimate “I promise. If love is all that you back in but Ross still decided not relationship with him. She moved to need, you will find it here in my to tell her anything as she had not New York and worked in the same heart and it isn’t too hard to see moved on yet and she was not living museum as Ross did. This broke how much I love you.” says Ross. the life she wanted yet. But all the Rachel’s heart. When she thought All those words charm Rachel and other guys knew about it and kept it she met a guy who truly loved her, they spend the night together and as a secret from Rachel. she was too late. Timing was the live the rest of their lives together enemy for both of them. Rachel was working as a waitress in as friends and as lovers.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 34 CREATIVE

SERENITY

Ankit Kharel, BASW, 4th Semester

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 35

ool breeze vaporizing the sweat that was on my left cheek. I was tired, I didn’t Ceven bother wiping it out. It had been hours of travelling. I had walked for more than two hours.

I loved the aroma floating all over the forest. It was a blessing to the soul. Such peace cannot be found in the city. The winter season was ending, it meant the whole forest was about to be alive soon. I could see the signs. Most of the forest was turning green. It makes my soul bliss and takes me back to my childhood. I forget myself whenever I am out in the wild. Every thing that bothers me flies away in an instant. The calmness of the forest got me good. I could hear the birds chirping and the breeze moving. I must say, it was the most melodious sound that I had ever heard.

It was not my first time out in the wild. But this time, it was something different; something which had never occurred to me before. I felt some kind of unnatural satisfaction. I hadn’t eaten properly for the whole day but I was not hungry. I had been travelling for more than five hours but I was not tired at all. I didn’t know the directions but I never felt like I was lost.

I kept on moving. Walking past tall trees, I realized a dragonfly flying in front of me at a distance. It kept on flying, which seemed to me as if it was trying to help me find my way out of the forest. Was I dreaming? Was it my imagination? I don’t think I have an answer to that.

After walking for a little less than an hour, I found my way out of the forest.

I saw it.

The thing that had brought me out of my comfort zone. The lake. It seemed as if it was resting there. I felt like me being called by the lake. It was more than beautiful. Surrounded by hills that were covered in green. I felt as if I was dreaming. Dreaming with my open eyes.

Though the lake looked beautiful on its own, the golden rays of the sun enhanced its beauty. As the sun was busy playing hide and seek with the clouds, the surrounding was totally quiet and the tranquility of the water from the lake put me in total solitude. I had felt loneliness for most of my life.

But this time, it felt different. It felt nice. I just want to tell you people, “Sometimes losing yourself might be the door to finding yourself.”

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 36 CREATIVE

Seeing the Unseen

Rashmine Lama, BBA (2nd Semester)

aving been born in a Buddhist society such a tender age. According to Buddhist mythology, and specifically in Boudha, I grew up the second born are obligated to be a monk. Usually seeing monks and nuns, locally known in Solu district and upper Himalayas, people used to as 'lama' and 'aani', everyday. But I believe that the first born child bears the responsibility always used to walk with a big question to take care of their parents and the second born are mark about them. I only knew that they taken away to be a monk. Having a member sent to Hwere Buddhist priests who performs Buddhist rituals. the monastery, locally called as gumba, back then, I always wondered who the people wearing red robes lessened the responsibility of the parents as it's quite actually were. difficult to sustain their livelihood. As time passed by, Strolling around Buddhist community, you are bound people have started giving up the tradition that was to see many lamas and aanis of different ages. You followed blindly. These days, it's all up to the parents' never know the story behind one being a monk at desire whether to send their small children to be a holy

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 37 child or not. It is said the monastery that they choose, have an urge to look good and compare oneself with questions the child as well if he want to devote his life others. This leads to internal conflict and your seed to Lord Buddha or not. Also, there are people who come of ego starts to grow. A red cloth draped around their by with their own willingness to learn Buddhism and body does that hold any significance? Is it a dress dedicate his whole life on the path of Buddha. Once you code used to distinguish the Buddhist monks or is it choose to be a monk, now you become the responsibility people giving continuity to what Buddha wore? The of the monastery. Parents don't have to worry about red clothe signifies the lesser amount attachment them anymore. And before you are assigned as a monk, that one should have and selflessness that everyone there is a bond that has to be signed which acts as an should possess. It's the color itself in a color of evidence when you try to escape. The only possessions universe encompassing the spirituality, truth and monks were allowed to keep were three robes, an alms salvation through the red threads reflecting in the bowl, one razor, one needle, one girdle, and one water eye of every creature. strainer. They follow the philosophy: 'The more you have, Anger is rooted deep inside our heart and brain. the more you want and the more selfish you become.' When our mind tangles in complexity, we pour all our If we turn the pages of history, we can find that the emotion to one's cup as anger. It completely depends culture of monk was originated from the era of Gautam upon us how we control our anger and tackle it. If we look at the deities that hold up a chopped head soaked with blood, what we normally interpret is that the deity has won a victory over the bad. But if looked at it in a different perspective and try to contemplate the reality, we can find that the deities holding the chopped head symbolizes the anger that we all possess and the blood they drink tries to tell us that we should gulp all the angers inside rather than throwing it up to others. It doesn't symbolize that we should sacrifice animals in the name of Gods but to be a responsible and a good human being. And this is what Buddhism teaches indeed, this is what all religion teaches. It's not what religion we follow, but it's about the belief of humanity that we have. If you are seeking for enlightenment in your life, then you should awaken yourself in the world of one's' own direct experience rather than doctrine. The realization of your own truth is the greatest achievement of human life. But self realization is not easy. It’s not something that one could realize after meditating for some hours, it’s a lifelong process that one should sacrifice all their luxuries, aggressions, violence and stain of betrayals and drive himself in the path of service to every creature of the universe through kindness, spreading love and encouraging to tie the bonds of Buddha, where people strived to gain spiritual teachings brotherhood and fraternity among the human and to attach themselves to the gurus, lama. Basically, the the living beings. Enlighten yourself with the rays of first step of ordination of lamas were to leave their home, beautiful hopes and positive vibes resonating your roam around, beg for food till midday and after that they heart and mind. Make sure that the vibrations coming cannot beg food nor eat anything. Their rituals were to out through your body be the vibes of forgiveness meditate after noon. And as a second step, the novices you show, which will certainly create a beautiful shaved their heads and put on their red robes. world of affection. So exploring oneself on the nature When we think about Buddhist monks and nuns, the first of existence, understanding the virtue of life and trait that pops up is the shaved head and the red robe death and finally realizing sufferings is Buddhism. Self they wear. It is said that, having longer locks portrays realization is bliss and religion is the catalyst for self ego. The longer hair you have, the more time you've to realization. dedicate to groom and look good. It's a human nature to

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 38

Society as a System

Samir K.C, BBA (4th semester)

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS 39

unctionalism views society as a system that is interconnection of parts to form a whole. Each part of society cannot function properly without the other, like the various organs and systems of living being. Early functionalists often drew an Fanalogy between society and an organism such as human body. They argued that the understanding of any organ in the body involves an understanding of its relation to any other organs and in particular its contribution towards the maintenance of the organism. In the same way, the understanding of any part of society requires an analysis of its relationship to other parts and most importantly, its contribution to the maintenance of society. Functionalists argued that society needs certain basic needs like food and shelter for survival.

Functional prerequisites like social order and human nature (Emile Durkheim); social facts as constraints; the ideology of functionalism; threats to social solidarity; collective conscience and social state; alienation and equilibrium in economics have merely interest as the ruling force. Every individual finds himself in state of war with each other. Since collective conscience constraints individuals to act in terms of the requirements of society, it is a social fact external to individual, impressed upon him or her. Thus functionalist argues "society has to be present in the individual".

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 40 CREATIVE

Death

The climb to the hill, the shove to your own friends The rush to be the first on the top That arrogance within you sated by ego’s blessing What was all of it worth for? Richu Bimali Now it’s nothing but lost cause. BBA (4th semester)

Cause the grim reaper is at the door for his chore. He’s here to put off the torch. Too late to realize it’s all been in vain. All those for what you strived for, what you masterfully planned Has no justification in the end.

And now all that wealth you accumulated, slips away in stealthy silence. You are naked and vulnerable at the dawn Like the day when, you, a new baby was born This is when death shall level the score

Your daily struggle like jumping inside this life’s trapeze Bounce until the safety net’s no longer elastic. Your tell tale heart’s sudden blip by when the realization dawns. You are dead, gone And tomorrow never comes.

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 41

My Fright

Bibek Bhandari, BASW, 4th semester

It was at night and I slept with all my fright The fright of a dream where the lights were dim Would feel so much pain but just couldn’t scream So I took a pill. The smooth air started to blow And flew me up through the hills Then I took the turn and the pain in me started to burn Took few more pills whatever I could get Then I blacked out in my bed A small white line went through my head My body was cold Slowly I left my bed And then I realize all the colors fade So I flew away when I was dead.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 42 CREATIVE

Asmika Ali, BIM 2nd Semester THE WAY OUT

t was 6:00 am on a Saturday Basically, Maria was morning; Shannon sat around a bunch of people she didn’t like for everything Shannon didn’t breakfast. Her plate was filled with beautifully placed food that she want to be. The first time didn’t like but she ate it anyways. Maria met Shannon she told ISmiling after each bite, all she could think about was “how do I run away from this place?”. Months ago, Shannon was a her “everywhere you go I’ll rebellious seventeen year old, who got in trouble way too much. She had amazing be right there behind you”, friends and sneaked out of her house every other night to go out with them. and she meant it. She couldn’t resist doing things she was told not to do and hence, fought with her parents all the time. She did love her parents but she wished she was born in a different family. One day as she returned

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 43 home from school she saw two well had to wake up early every morning and a shelf. It was a diary and it belonged dressed strangers sitting there, talking to dress in heavy dresses even though all to her father. She took it along and her parents. Her parents crying, that was she did all day was stay in her room, she spent all night reading it. It included the moment it all changed, she found out had to take lessons on how to eat right, stories of her father’s childhood that her parents were not her biological how to speak, how to walk and how to then on one of the stories her father parents. Her biological parents had died dress. Shannon wasn’t allowed to leave mentioned about him hiding at the in an accident when she was 2. She was the palace or dress casually. She had secret passages when he wanted actually a princess and was then taken to follow a very strict dress code, had to skip school. Now, Shannon knew away to live at the palace. to speak politely and was expected to that there were secret passages and smile all the time. Maria even tormented all she had to do was find them. The She was sad to be leaving her old life but her in her dreams. Soon, living at the next morning Shannon woke up early was thrilled at the same time. She was palace became unbearable to her. So, she and started her quest of finding the always obsessed with Disney movies decided to run away. She tried to escape passages. It was harder than she and now she felt like she was living in in many ways but failed every time. thought it would be. Well they were one. Her first few days as a princess was called secret for a reason, right? a dream come true. She had maids to She tried sneaking away when the take care of her, could get everything guards were asleep, she tried climbing She spent three days looking for it she wanted, closets filled with the most down her window using a rope, and she but found nothing. She had searched gorgeous clothes and had access to all even tried to hide inside a supply van but every room in the palace, paid

the A-list designers. She thought she got caught by Maria each time. Shannon attention to the smallest things but still could never be happier until the day tried everything she learnt from her couldn’t find anything. She thought she she met Maria, her etiquette instructor. favorite Disney princesses and realized would never be able to go away; the Maria looked liked the scary old lady running away unnoticed in a pink fluffy thought of spending the rest of her life in kids stories that mothers talk about gown was impossible. with Maria by her side terrified her. By this time, she was done reading the when their child throws a tantrum. She Which brings us to this moment, diary so she decided to return it. As she was almost 60 years old, wore glasses, Shannon now knew that she needed to was putting the dairy in the self she felt always in a pantsuit, wore her dyed black think of something clever which Maria something at the back of her hands. hair in a tight ponytail and almost never couldn’t figure out. As she was cutting She turned on the flashlight on her smiled. Basically, Maria was everything her waffles she remembered something, phone to see what it was and she saw Shannon didn’t want to be. The first she remembered her maids talking something that looked like a button. time Maria met Shannon she told her about secret passages in the palace. So, When she pressed it, the shelf slid to “everywhere you go I’ll be right there she ran to the library and started her the left to reveal a small passage. She behind you”, and she meant it. research but no matter how many books was scared to go through. She didn’t Ever since then Maria followed Shannon she read she didn’t find any information. know where it led but she went in and around like her shadow watching her As she was about to give up and return slid the shelf back to its place. No one every step pointing out all the things to her room, she found an old book ever heard from Shannon again. Shannon wasn’t doing right. Shannon which looked like a diary at the back of

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 44 CREATIVE Love over Obsession Shreya Shrestha, BIM 1st Semester

yrah, a high school student with a bright face and a thin body, is returning from her school enjoying the Sbeauty of autumn. She is a shy girl so she doesn’t have many friends. She had a rough childhood because of her parents’ divorce, so she is a bit socially awkward. As she gets home, she freshens up and rests on her bed. Starts checking her social media account, she spots a friend request, someone named Michael. She opens his that he forgot to ask Syrah’s number. They did not talk profile and sees so many matching interests and so she to each other and they ended up talking only online accepts the request. for another year. Michael now was in his third year and Syrah was on second. As night fell, Syrah and Michael started chatting. They both might’ve liked each other so they talked all night After two years of good friendship, Michael asked her because they had so many things in common. The next number by telling her, his number had changed. Finally! day, Syrah checked her phone just after she woke up, to They exchanged their numbers, and they talked over the see if she had any messages; maybe she was expecting phone. Because of their matching interest they kept on messages from Michael. But there weren’t any. Syrah talking for more than an hour. Both of them knew their was very excited to talk to her new friend whom she had friendship had grown to love. But they never confessed. liked. Even on her way to school she checked her phone They kept on talking for months, and their feelings for over and over again. each other became even stronger. After that much of sharing and bonding over the phone, Michael confessed Syrah is a smart student of her class but because of his feelings to Syrah in a very romantic way. He told her Michael, she did not pay any attention during her to listen to The Beatles’ “Do you want to know a secret?” classes. At the lunch break, while she was on her way and then he called her and said in the rhythm of the to the cafeteria, her phone buzzed. She checked her song. phone with excitement. It was a message from Michael. Because of her excitement she forgot her lunch and “Hey, do you want to know a secret?” talked with Michael the whole time. Maybe Syrah had an She replied, “Yes” internet crush on Michael. “Do you promise not to tell?” he asked As the days passed, they became very good friends and Syrah only kept thinking about Michael. She sometimes She replied, “Yes” forgot things she was asked to do but her grades never “I am in love with you” he confessed. After that, she decreased because she was smart. Michael on the other confessed her feelings too, explained how she had a hand was also very smart student, their humor also crush on him since the first time they started talking. matched. They made jokes only they would understand. Michael told her that it was the same for him too. They only talked over social media site, but still they had become very good friends. They had not even exchanged After two years of talking, they had finally confessed and their phone numbers. They had been talking like this for planned to meet each other as they were very eager to like a year. But they both never asked for their numbers. meet. Syrah had dressed up beautifully to impress him. They shared things that had happened in their daily life. They met on a beautiful romantic park. Michael was When Syrah first started talking to Michael, she was on stunned by Syrah’s beauty. They held hands, walked and her first year of high school and Michael was on second; ate lunch together. At the end of the day, Michael gave he was a year senior than Syrah in different school. a rose to her and he walked her home. It was a great day for them. On their fourth date, they went to an ice Since they had been talking for a year, Syrah thought it cream parlor and shared their first kiss. Syrah was so was a high time to ask for his phone number. She wanted embarrassed that her face became bright red. They liked to hear his voice because she liked him. So, she gathered each other’s company so they met often. all her courage and one day she finally got his number. But funny thing, because of her shy trait, she could not A year passed, they were so in love with each other that call him. And it was the same for Michael, because of they couldn’t be away from each other even for a while.

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 45

She went They were having the best time of their lives but here because of you! Everything ended like this happy things do not last. After his graduation, because of you! If you had not killed…” and he to the Michael had to move to another city. It was such started crying. Syrah was even more confused. room a devastating feeling for Syrah. She told him to She looked at the watch; she had leaped five stay but Michael had no such option. He left but years forth. She went out of the house and where they had promised to make it work through the looked; they were out of the country. Everything Michael long distance. was messed up in her head; she could not understand what had happened. was and Each day without Michael was very hard on Syrah. She could not keep up with the distance. She went to the room where Michael was and asked They started having fights, but somehow, they asked him what she had done. But Michael him what solved it. One day, as Syrah was returning from did not tell her as he was very scared. Syrah school, a man stumbled on her and his purse explained everything to Michael about how she she had fell. When Syrah was picking up the purse, the time travelled. After some time, Michael agreed done. But man had disappeared. So, she went home with to tell what had happened. the purse. Because the man was mysterious After Michael left the city, they were trying to Michael Syrah wanted to check his purse to find out make things work between them. Syrah was his details. When she opened the purse, there did not tell always sad and nagging to be together, so they was nothing but a small tablet that is used as a had a lot of fights. But still, they solved the her as he diary. She turned on the tablet but there was problems somehow. But even though all the no information on the man. So she decided to was very trust and love Michael gave to her, she just keep it to herself. She wrote the memory of hers was not happy. She somehow just wanted to scared. and Michael’s first kiss in that tablet diary and be with him, she would not care why Michael slept after talking with Michael. The next day, Syrah could not be with her in the city. She just something unbelievable happened… explained became depressed over small things. And one As Syrah woke up and she opened her eyes, day, suddenly Syrah had come to the village of everything Michael was in front of her and they were on Michael’s to surprise him; she saw how happy he to Michael the same ice cream parlor they shared their first was with his family and friends. She became so kiss. She was surprised, confused, and all mixed obsessed and jealous of everyone; just because about how up feelings had come. She asked Michael why they could be with him and she could not. she time and how is he here. Michael was also confused, The night she was with Michael, she cried and travelled. and he replied, “we are on a date, and we fought with Michael to come to the city with just had our first kiss, are you feeling unwell? him. But because of family problems he could After some Did you not like me kissing you?” Syrah was not, but Syrah would not understand. And like time, shocked. She said she was okay and everything that, the next day, she poisoned his family and is fine. But, she was panicking on the inside. friends because of the obsession to be with him Michael She opened her bag to see her cellphone, but and jealousy. She even threatened Michael that agreed all there was, was the tablet. She looked at the she would kill herself and blame him for all the date; she had time travelled a year back. The murder. And like that she was able to be with to tell tablet that she found was a like a time machine, him. if a memory or wish is written on it, it leaps the what had After listening to that Syrah’s eyes felt with writer back and forth in time. happened. tears. She never imagined that she would fall Syrah, who now was back in time, was in a to that level of obsession. She now wanted huge confusion. But she knew that it had to do to change the future so she travelled back to something with the tablet. She excused herself the time she stumbled with the man. She just and went to the restroom. She took out the walked past the man and returned home. She tablet and wrote a wish to be back on the night called Michael and told him how much she loves she found the tablet. And as she blinked, she him and she will understand his problem. She was at that time at her home. She did not know will wait for the time to be together patiently. what to do about it. The only thing she wished Because Michael loved Syrah as much as she at that time was to be with Michael. So she did, he smiled and said “I know how much you wrote her feelings down on the tablet and as love me idiot, I do the same” and Syrah slept she blinked, Michael was by her side. She was cherishing the memories they had not wanting very happy to be with Michael. She now knew them back again. what the tablet did. But Michael, who was there Five years later, they got married in a church at the moment, was not happy. He had this where both of their family and friends attended scared and sad face. So, Syrah asked him what and they lived happily together. was wrong. Michael shouted with fear, “I am

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 46 CREATIVE Happiness in Happiness Course (Art of Living)

f you’re not happy now, then when shall you be? If you don’t cherish the moment right now, then it suddenly fades away, so, live in the present and stay happy. Few days back, I joined a basic course at Art of Living called “Happiness Course”. IIt was a three days course which helps to keep a smile on your face all the time. This course highlights some important life lessons that most of us tend to forget in our daily Khusbu Shrestha struggle. It focuses on the way we react with BBA (4th semester) the circumstances or people and its effect on our lives. It is believed that opposite sides complement each other, everything has its opposite values like dark wouldn’t exist without light; there wouldn’t be happiness if there were no sadness. So life is full of ups and downs and we have to maintain balance in all these times. It was a three days They just come and go. course which helps You should accept the people as they are, to keep a smile on you shouldn’t feel like changing someone just for your sake. Will you change yourself if your face all the time. someone asks you to? Obviously not, right? This course highlights So how can you expect someone to change some important life for you? If you have these negative feelings, then you will always be unhappy, you will feel lessons that most of like you’re in a never ending race and you will us tend to forget in want to win any how at any cost. our daily struggle. It The unhappiest people are those who care the most about what others say. So, don’t be focuses on the way a football to others’ opinion. Why should we we react with the even bother about what others think of us? Is it that you have more confidence in what circumstances or others say rather than your own? No matter people and its effect what you do, people will always find a way on our lives. to talk about you. Let them talk as it really

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 47

doesn’t matter. But the day you finally set your mind to ignore them all, I assure you that you will be utmost happy. Follow your heart and always be who you are. Mistake is nobody’s business. If I did a mistake, it gives me a guilt/ regret but if the same mistake is committed by someone else, it gives me anger. All these things are natural human behavior. Knowingly or unknowingly, we have been doing this every moment. So, when someone commits a mistake, don’t go blaming them. It creates negative thought in their mind, but if you accept or consider that mistake, it creates positive thought in their mind and they will make sure that they’ll not let that happen again. Thus, don’t see intentions behind others’ mistakes. The only moment there ever exists is “present moment”. Present is inevitable. So learn to live in the present and appreciate what you have today. It is all a waste of time, thinking about the past that you had and the future that you might have. It only invites stress. Forget everything and all you have to do is accept the moment fully and there you are at ease. Yesterday was a history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift. Let us enjoy today. Besides, the program was basically focused on the Sudarshan Kriya, Yoga and Meditations. This basically helps to know who you are. It is the powerful breathing technique that restores body, mind and spirit into their natural rhythm and brings back to your present. It is such an effective process, it just can’t be explained. You reach to that level of happiness where all you have is only you. It is so effective technique that along with me, it has transformed many other lives. And this is all because of the founder of Art of Living Sri Sri Ravi Shankar since he came up with such a great technique, all thanks to him. I want to say that the Art of Living has been one of the best things that I have been involved in, and am very indebted to kind grace of “Guruji”.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 48 CREATIVE

In Pursuit of Being Different Rohit Jung Karki

he thing about being a non-smoker is that you tend to drift away from the smoker’s circle surrounding you. Non-smokers tend to Tget lonely. Well that's a fact, actually. See the thing is people hang out in cafes to smoke and that's where you are not interested to go to, since you don't smoke. Now the thing is you can either choose to smoke and join the gang or stay on your own alone. Even if you don’t smoke but still join the gang, you still don't fully belong to the gang. In some ways, you're an outsider. But that's not necessarily bad for you. You can always use that time to get further into the crafts that you want to learn. For me it always was my arts. And that concluded my yet another mental discussion as I reach the college gate. I walk to the college every day and these twelve and a half minutes are one of the highlights of my day. It’s the time of the day feel it's meant to be heard as a whole a different view of my family and my which is devoted fully to me. I turn rather than listening to a certain part friends to find something interesting. the volume up to its maximum and that you love. This made me realize Most of the people in my life don’t play albums on my phone and also that life should also be looked at as a seem to have their whole better than turn up the volume of my mind, just whole and not just life but everything some parts of their life. I thought enough to ignore the world and start actually. Even some people might of them as albums, albums with a conversation with myself. have some qualities that we adore, just one or two or a few hit singles. See the reason that I mentioned but it’s the full picture that tells us But as an album they were all blunt albums and not songs is because I more about that person. You should they all lacked that something and I always prefer to listen to an album be able to like a person as a whole couldn’t find out what exactly it was. at a time rather than some random and not just a few adorable details. Sometimes I wonder how I am, as songs. Listening to an entire album I started to see everyone around me a whole. Is there anything in me is on its own a great experience. I through this new perspective. I had that is adorable at all? It’s strange

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 49

isn’t it, wondering what I attend a class. The don’t have a damn clue to Well I always others might think of teacher is teaching us what the box is or where thought I was you and what kind of something that’ll probably is it. We are idiots who try person you are for them. help us pass, but can he to go outside the so called different, that We live our entire life, teach us to last? Can he box without knowing these things trying to be someone for teach us to live? Well he’s what it really is. We don’t someone else. We try to most certainly not even get it, to think outside the doesn’t mean do the things that make us gonna try. I feel a sudden box first of all we need to anything to lovable in the eyes of the burst of anger towards know every single inch of world. But do we actually this teacher. I feel hatred that box. We have to know me, that I love who we turn out to for my friend trying to it inside out. We have to didn’t crave be in that process? Do we learn the wrong things. I be so familiar with it that even know who we really pity him. He believes that it haunts us all the time. love or are? I guess most of us this education is gonna We have to be so close to won’t even get to meet the make him great. Well he it, that outside the box happiness real us and those who do, just doesn’t know it yet comes naturally to us not or anything. well I hope you can accept but when time starts that we have to fight for yourself. These thoughts to mess with him he it. And that’s where we fail I wasn’t started to take hold of me. won’t even know what and that’s where we fall. pursuing I look around and all I hit him. And there I see I guess most of us aren’t success or could see are ordinary him, suddenly he’s forty even gonna get to do what people in their ordinary eight, he has changed. His we thought we would be money or life. I see a group of young youth has faded with the doing. It is so painfully choices he made along freedom or boys reviewing last night’s true that we won’t follow game, a bunch of girls the road. He is living a our hearts, we won’t greatness. I busy giggling on about life of a banker. He has travel, we won’t fall in stuffs that probably won’t a wife and two children. love with a stranger and was just in matter. I laugh at them His wife’s having an affair miss them like they mean pursuit of and their miserable lives. and his children? The two the world to us. We won’t They are all gonna die one are living together with have that conversation being different. day and after that they are him. He’s thinking about we wanted at 3 in the done with the world. None the next installment of morning. We won’t text of the people around me the mortgage due next that someone how we will achieve anything that month. He got it last year really felt because we will make someone think to finance his new house were too scared to know, about them years after that his family so craved. we won’t be anything and their death. Few years He’s taking therapy now, that’s because we are not into their death, no one pays $2700 per month just even gonna try. We all get will even remember that because he has no one to so comfortable in our lives they ever existed. They talk to. He does have his that we feel we don’t have will all be a number, a stat family and three so called to take any risks. We feel in the government’s death good friends but he still we have got it all and that records, that’s probably doesn’t know what for. His we don’t even have to try never gonna be viewed. greatest accomplishment anymore. to this day is his gold They’ll all fail. They’ll all Well I always thought I fall. They’ll all disappear. medal in the inter-state college football. And that’s was different, that these And me? What about things doesn’t mean me? Will I fall alongside what education got him. He lost it all trying to anything to me, that them? Will I disappear I didn’t crave love or just like they all are meant figure a way outside the box. happiness or anything. I to? Or will I rise, become wasn’t pursuing success something bigger than See the thing is, we are or money or freedom or myself, bigger than this always told to think greatness. I was just in world. Will I ever shine? outside the box but we pursuit of being different.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 50

I love you PAPA! Anup Uprety, BBA 2nd Semester

“I am not a princess because I have a prince; it is because you are the king.”

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 51

could see it in his eyes her unscheduled toilets boy” she states. “He is also as Anup replied with a grin. – the guilt. “It was an had been a part of me. the topper of our college” “Sakshi, sakshi, open the Iaccident”, we repeatedly Sometimes it would be once she continued, hoping that door!”, we heard a shout. The tried to settle him but it was a night and sometimes she her father would not get tension started rising. Anup all in vain. He wasn’t ready would drain herself out. Her bossy and get angry at his rushed upstairs and we all to accept it. It’s been three cries were music to my ears. princess. heard him call her name. years now. Three long years, My princess, my Sakshi” Her father’s face blushed “Sakshi, my princess, open still his eyes cannot hide his ** with anger. He couldn’t the door.” It was followed emotions. He isn’t ready to speak anything but his palms by knocks. The tension forgive himself. He started, Tears drained down from his eyes, rolled through his did. In a blink of an eye, she grew stronger and we all “The sky above was the cheek and soaked in the was on the floor crying as he rushed upstairs. We heard color of a scrambled TV fabric that once belonged to slapped her in the face. a thud and then a choke. It channel. Black ominous Sakshi. He couldn’t speak. “What??” he screamed. got louder, more tortured. clouds covered the sky, Anup kicked the door open He closed his eyes, took a “You are just 16 and you threatening to rain. Thunder deep breath and continued, and everyone was silent. roared and lightning flashed have a boy to talk about. Get Horrifying, Sakshi’s legs across the sky. The curtain ** out! I don’t want to see your tremble, tremble violently. of rain then pelted down “April 23, 2014 – Her first face again.” he shouted and The struggle is visible. Her from the sky. I reached the day at school and she was so sat down breathing heavily. legs bang against each room all wet, eyes wide and excited. Her eyes, pools of ** other and her body starts gasping for air”. bejeweled water, shone with to swing in mid-air. We He cried. “Why didn’t I get rush to hold the struggling “Are you ready?” the doctor innocence. Her midnight- it?”, he shouted. “Why??” asked. I responded with black hair flowed over her body. The right shoe falls a nod. I covered myself shoulders. Her glossy skin “Why didn’t I get the fact off. The intensity reduces. with the green gown that and her pouty lips, I’d have that it was the age? Why The movement stops. There the nurse handed me and doubts on any of the artists didn’t I think for once how hung a still body of the angel entered the chambers. claiming to get it right. The much she trusted me and who went where she came way she uttered the words, confronted it? Why didn’t I from, heaven. “My body started sweating. “Papa, Aama” would melt think of how much guts did Niru fell down as her eyes I was frightened. My knees the hardest of the rocks. I she pull to speak out to me? were struggling to support got the clear view. Anup could hear her for hours. Why …..” he couldn’t speak. fell down sobbing. “Oh my me as my body trembled. Cute little angel, my angel, I was praying. I had my ** god! Nooooo!”, were the my princess, my Sakshi. She words amongst the wails fingers crossed. A wail We all knew what happened. was perfect, totally flawless, and cries. The sky came broke the tension. My heart It was the auspicious day a master piece, my princess, crashing down. It twirled skipped a beat as I saw her.” of Dashain. Ignoring the my daughter.” into the color of a scrambled tension between Sakshi “Congratulations! It’s a girl”, TV channel. Black ominous ** and Anup, the environment the doctor exclaimed. clouds covered the sky was cheerful. After all, it “Why didn’t I get it? threatening to rain. Thunder Waves of tears flooded was Dashain. Everyone was Why? Why was I such an roared and lightning flashed his eyes, rolling down his waiting for the right time inconsiderate father? Why? across the sky. The curtain cheeks and meeting the to put on the tika. Everyone Why?” His tears expressed of rain then poured down smile which meant “I can’t were consumed by separate his frustration. I patted his from the sky and all of us help but fall for you, my worlds. The women were shoulder as he continued, watched in disbelief - eyes love.” he looked at her in my in the kitchen, cooking the wide and gasped for a arms and poured my heart “ I remember the day. She mutton - the smell flying breath. out, “You are the love of my came up to me and said, into everyone’s senses. The life. Everything I have and “Papa, I have to tell you men were talking politics We took down the body and everything I am is yours. something.” and the children were on checked. Drona silently let Forever” A smile followed my their own. his tears roll down as he finished examining the body. “She was named Sakshi. Her approval. Her face reddened “Where is Sakshi?” Drona She was gone. And there bright eyes, cute smile and as she confronted. asked, Anup’s elder brother. was a note lying in the floor tiny little fingers – She was “Papa, I don’t know what “Getting ready. You know which read, an angel sent down to earth this is but I really like a boy. and not a day would start how girls are these days. He is my best friend and we Can’t come outside without without me thanking god have been studying together for this amazing creation. looking at the mirror for “I am sorry. for seven years. His name hours.” we all shared a laugh I love you, papa.” Her midnight meals, is Andy. He is a really good

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 52 CREATIVE

My sister, Siliya, got all the attention that I used to get. No, I I for ME wasn’t jealous of her, not even a Rashmine Lama, BBA 2nd Semester little bit. I adored her, I loved her.

t was the delivery date. Everyone blood and genes runs within us’, but face turned blue and she asked softly, was anxious and happy about it. still I had a strange feeling, a feeling tears in her eyes, ‘Aren’t you happy IMy dad was nervous, he was biting called ‘LOVE’ for her. No, it was not for me?’ his nails walking tro and fro which like the love you all have for your showed how nervous he was about siblings, it was different. We never What would I respond! I was the new baby. There was a complete fought like other siblings, I’ve never speechless! My eyes were full of tears silence outside the ICU. We could scolded her, I’ve never shouted at her but I tried hard, harder not to roll hear my mom screaming. Each time because the feelings inside will never down the tears. Instead I grabbed her she screamed of pain, dad’s heart let it happen. and hugged her tightly that I’ve never skipped a beat. Alas! Nurse came out done before. She started weeping, of the ICU with a big smile on her Living under a same roof was her tears were soaked up by my face. Her smile did all the talking. The becoming hard for me. She hadn’t favorite white t-shirt. I could feel the silence was broken, everyone there got even a hint that I love her as a coldness of my t-shirt running into was happy and dad was in cloud lover not as a brother. Every year at my heart. I whispered, ‘you’re grown seven. As soon as he found out that it the time of Bhai Tika, I never showed up, I am happy for you.’ was a baby girl, he screamed out loud up. I used to stay away and whenever I wish I could freeze the moment and with happiness and I was there left I was back she used to scold me. I get lost in her embrace. And tell her unnoticed. As everyone were rushing enjoyed her harsh words. I used to what I feel. I almost died. Reality hits to meet the new member, I too went bow my head and smile when she you harder. I wonder if I could live with them and cried as soon as I saw was scolding. She would leave after the dreams. my sister. Why? Because she got all a few minutes because I never spit a single word. Even I tried to sneak the attention and I was no longer in Today, it’s her big day. She is getting into her room and hide behind the my ama’s arm. married to the one she loves. And I curtains which she never opened am all suited up for her with all the My sister, Siliya, got all the attention and enjoyed watching her sleep. She pieces that I’ve become. For me, that I used to get. No, I wasn’t jealous looks prettier than ever. In her laugh, her happiness is more precious. of her, not even a little bit. I adored I lost myself. I tried a lot to convince I’ve never conveyed my feeling to her, I loved her. She was a replica of myself that she was my sister but I her, not even a single person in this a doll that I had. Fine brownish hair, could never do that. world. My feelings for her will only big eyes, chubby cheeks and dimple die, on the day that I’ll never open my chin. I loved playing with her, teasing Every day I put on so much effort to eyes again. her and singing rhymes that I learned look good, just for her. It’s not that I don’t get proposals nor there isn’t at school for her. Slowly, she was I am now an independent man. I earn anyone beautiful than her but, my growing. Her teeth started to show, and I am in my late 20s. People asks eyes only sees her and my heart only her crawls were her walks and words me when will I get married. They wants her. I never expressed how I she spoke were a little clear. She eats don’t know what I’ve been through felt for her because of the goddam recklessly, she fights fiercely and she and what it is like to plan a wedding society and the shame my parents sings beautiful. for your own lover but you’re not the have to face. The lava of emotions groom. To put on a smile and walk My little girl was all grown up in were exploding inside me. The as if nothing happened is challenge her teens now, more beautiful than hotness was killing me. She was in for me. Still the feeling hasn’t faded ever hit by puberty. Her hair falls her 20s living her life to fullest, care away and still I don’t show up for perfectly, her skin looks flawless, her free and a humble soul. Once she ran Bhai Tika. My ‘I’ is replaced by ‘her’.I eyes are hypnotizing, her juicy lips to me and said that she was in love am searching my identity. Who am I and her no more flat breast gives me and had been in love for 3 years. I truly? I am living for me but my soul a strange feeling. She became my was all shattered inside. The dream is dying for her. desire. Every time I see her, I say to that I have dreamt and the castle that myself that‘I am her brother, same I have built was all demolished. My

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 53

Exploring Hard Work

Ragini Shrestha, BBA 4th Semester

I believe is in our context today, hard work simply means to work dependably and with value, and giving continuity to that until desired and worthwhile outcome is arrived. I am a firm believer in the notion that hard work requires performing in certain ways that may not directly motivate an individual but it is something very essential for achieving one's goals.

hat is the meaning of of success while others wake that belief in self is a must if hard work? Anybody up and work hard", "hard one is to walk on the path of Wcan work hard, work beats talent, when hard work. but hard work that doesn't talent doesn't work hard", and necessarily ensure desired many more. What I believe However, the essence of outcomes for them; the is in our context today, hard hard work is that it is not willingness to endure until work simply means to work something that can be and unless anticipated results dependably and with value, forged. Performance is are obtained is primary and giving continuity to that essential and in no way be ingredient for hard work. until desired and worthwhile bypassed, absconded or outcome is arrived. I am a insincerely produced. The We often hear people firm believer in the notion most important aspect of the saying that we should work that hard work requires concept of hard work is that hard, that hard work is the performing in certain it cannot be faked. The work way to go, and that hard ways that may not directly is necessary and cannot be workers get rewarded or can motivate an individual but it circumvented, skipped, or conquer difficult hurdles and is something very essential artificially accelerated. But challenges. So let's ask this for achieving one's goals. having pointed out all these question once again, what Hence, it is this psychological discussions on hard work, I does it mean to work hard? binding towards the duty would like to add that it’s not that can most of the times that an innovative substitute Since childhood a child is be uninteresting that we for hard work is unavailable; reminded to work hard, and tend to think as hard work even that requires committed they don't realize that hard in the world of business effort to comprehend the work is more of a mental and entrepreneurship. amount of struggle required effort than physical. We have Furthermore, there is a clear for coming up with a new been hearing phrases and relationship between work solution, technique, or tactic. quotes such as "Hard work and time that gets labeled as That perseverance is the pays", "Some people dream hard work. Needless to add essence of hard work.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 54 CREATIVE

How to Dance? Wangdi Norbu Sherpa

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 55

ow to dance?’ is one of those persistent questions I am mostly asked and my reply to the question ‘Halways depends on my mood. If I am feeling lazy, I just tell them “Practice!” and if I am energetic, I give them a full course lecture along with a complimentary tea. To be honest, all these lectures and tips have never encouraged anyone to dance because it all depends upon the individual to take up the challenge. What challenge? I am glad you asked; let me elaborate it properly.

We all have a peculiar desire to know what other people think about us. Whenever we perform any sorts of action, consciously or unconsciously- we always consider other people’s perspective towards it. That is the limitation we have barricaded on ourselves. The same goes for dancing. Before we get on the floor, we tend to wait for the favorable condition. When there are lots of people dancing to cover/block us, why do we do this? Why do we only feel comfortable dancing alone? Why do we always need a company to dance with us at dance parties? Well, it’s a challenge we have set up on ourselves. How do we overcome this challenge? The solution to this problem is to free your mind and not to think. But how does that work? For instance, whenever people drink alcohol they lose their senses automatically; limitations such as getting embarrassed, nervousness and physical insecurities vanish out into thin air. Suddenly they become the Michael Jackson of the new era in an instant because they won’t be considering others’ judgments and they dance no matter how silly they look. Their mind becomes free and they move and act as they wish. For me, that is how you dance- when you have an empty mind that just listens to the music and nothing else! Music in itself is a drug and dance is one of its effects.

“I don’t know how to dance” is another commonly used statement in cases where an individual has all the desire to dance but admits that he/she cannot because they just don’t know how to. I personally believe that anyone can dance. It’s all about the passion and desire that differentiates. When I practice dancing, I always imagine a scenario like perhaps dancing in front of a crowd or dancing to impress someone I like. At that moment, I become the best dancer in the whole world. My mind frees itself of all the stress of reality and I imagine a world that is made just for me. Practice is definitely necessary. But rid yourself of the prejudices of the society, loosen up your mind, dive into the music and there you have it! The first steps of learning how to truly dance.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 56

Feminism in Nepal

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 57

“Chori manchhe vayera ghar ko kam garna pani aayena vaney kasle bihey garchha?”

Alisha Bhattarai

eminism is one of the most common and specific roles, most often from hajurama. controversial words in today’s world. And Fin Nepal, the situation is worst. Feminism “Chori manchhe vayera ghar ko kam garna pani and feminists are being highly misinterpreted aayena vaney kasle bihey garchha?” and there are huge misconceptions about them How can we expect people to understand the in our society. Feminists are being mistaken as actual concept of feminism when the ones Feminazis. supposed to explain are busy fighting with their Feminazis are the people who support the own grandmothers? statement that women are superior to men. In the rural areas, the situation is worst. Women They believe that wanting to get married or have do not want to come out of their shells and a partner is the sign of weakness. A feminazi be independent, even when given the chance. is a sexist whereas; a feminist is someone who They are brainwashed and reprogrammed to advocates women's rights and equality. The believe that they’re the parasites to their male actual concept of feminism is equality. They want counterpart. Completely unaware about their women to be treated equally as men, neither rights, feminism is an impossible concept to more nor less. them. Men, the worshippers of patriarchy, do Feminism in Nepal is concerned with equity not allow the women to go out if it is not a and equality of opportunities. Nepali society is part of their household chore. Women live in highly patriarchal. Women here are considered such miserable condition that they do not have inferior to men. Women are treated poorly in right over their own body too. Women exist to every aspect of their society. Be it socio-political continue the generation, to bear enough children or economic, women have been misjudged or to prove their husband’s virility. mistreated. In Nepal, being a feminist can imply If one of the children does not have a penis, be breaking with Nepali culture and favoring a prepared to be replaced like a faulty light bulb. western lifestyle over our own. Feminists are labeled “loose-charactered” or even a “home- In a nutshell, there are lots of misconceptions breaker”. People don’t understand that feminism about feminism in our country, creating is all about breaking down the glass ceilings for a negative image of a feminist. It is very women and helping them rise above it. But often challenging to make people aware and they’re accused of fighting for superiority over understand about feminism. There is lot of men. work to be done in order to bring equality in our country. We are working to help women To be honest, in most of the cases women are realize their rights so that they can speak brought down by other women in the name of up for themselves. We are clearing out the culture. We can see it happening everywhere. misconception of feminism with our education A menstruating girl, facing all the agony of the to take us a step closer to a fair and impartial monthly cycle, is forced out of her comfort zone society. A society free of gender-based glass by her own mother. Our upbringing is filled with ceilings. lessons of women standardization and gender-

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 58 CREATIVE

Being Foodie

big part of being a foodie is knowing how to get the food I believe that Ainto your mouth. Any normal everyone needs person would probably just ask for a fork no matter what the cuisine might to experience be. Don't get me wrong, I use a fork too and I absolutely love them. But, I their food also might decide to go with a spoon, Ashma Shrestha, chopsticks or maybe hands depending more, not just BBA 6th Semester on whether it is a bowl of soup, noodles or a banana. consume it to I recently realized that I’m a foodie keep going! while I was rambling to my cousin about how much I love trying new dishes. He suggested that I must be a foodie just like himself. Ever since I can remember, I've always loved putting edible things into my mouth and chewing them, then swallowing and digesting them. It makes me somewhat influenced by all the hype salivate just thinking about it. of being a foodie. But, I am a human being, we all get influenced by things As time passed on, people started we’re interested in. accusing me of getting on the foodie train just because it was becoming a I make sure that that I try almost trend. anything as my search for new flavor is endless. One of my dreams is to "I never heard you talk about napkins travel across America and Europe to before they became a thing." try the local delicacies. I can almost taste certain foods just by thinking Napkins have been a major part of my about them. foodie life for years now, I just haven't foodie n. (informal) felt the need to brag about it. I believe that everyone needs to experience their food more, not just a person interested in Food on the other hand is an art consume it to keep going! enjoying variety of food for on a plate. That’s why I endlessly pleasure. blabber about them. I agree that I am I am foodie. And I'm proud of it.

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 59

HOW MANY TIMES WILL YOU TRY?

Simran Shrestha, BBA 4th Semester

he quickest road to about how he felt to fail 1000 times, success is to possess he replied, “I didn’t fail 1000 times. “Ta non-fearing attitude The light bulb was an invention towards failure.” with 1000 steps.”

Many people suffer from Henry Ford, an American depression because they fail in industrialist, multimillionaire their work. But, they don’t realize and the founder of Ford motor that a failure does not determine company, was bankrupt five times. our future. There is always hope in every footstep. There are Fred Smith, the founder of Federal many inspiring, interesting and Express, received a ‘C’ on his Sylvester astonishing compilations of list of college paper detailing his idea celebrities, innovators and business for a reliable overnight delivery Stallone persons who have miserably failed, service. His professor at Yale told but ultimately succeeded. him, “Well, Fred, the concept is was interesting and well formed, but in Sylvester Stallone was rejected order to earn better than a ‘C’, your rejected 1500 times when he tried selling his ideas also have to be feasible.” script of movie ‘Rocky’. 1500 times The Beatles, the pioneers of Rock The author of the magical series n’ Roll genre, were rejected twice. when - Harry Potter’s author Joanne Richard Paul Rowe was labeled as Rowling (popularly known as JK the man who rejected beatles. he tried Rowling) was rejected 12 times before her masterpiece was finally It is incredible where these big selling picked by Bloomsbury publication. names have reached after not giving up despite failing numerous his script Famous inventor, Thomas Alva times. Edison, made 1000 unsuccessful of movie attempts to invent a light bulb. How many times would you fail to When he was asked by a reporter succeed? ‘Rocky’.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 60 CREATIVE

THE STRENGTH OF POSITIVITY

Alisha Shrestha, BBA 4th semester

believe, whatever the good or bad fortune comes in our way, we can always transform it into something of a great value. Everything people Ido in their daily lives is purely affected by their own mindset and attitude.

A computer stores, analyses and makes the comparison of different data. In the same way, a human mind stores memories and experiences. Those memories may either be good or bad. Everything has its own effect. Good memories and experiences induce people to embrace the positive attitude in life whereas bad memories and experiences bring sadness, depression or even anger to oneself.

Whatever you believe in your heart to be true is a reality in your life. As a result, you then attract events, experiences and people in your life to match your ‘loves’ and ‘beliefs’.

Negative thoughts, words and attitude create negative and unhappy feelings, moods and behavior. When the mind is negative, poisons are released into the blood, which cause more unhappiness and negativity. This is the way to failure, frustration and disappointment.

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 61

Whatever you believe in your heart to be true is a reality in your life. As a result, you then attract events, experiences and people in your life to match your ‘loves’ and ‘beliefs’.

Positive thoughts can be powerful in shaping our life, mind, heart and cagers a chain reaction: a man finds a job; he is liked for his optimistic attitude and hard work; he believes he will succeed; and so he attracts supportive people in his life because of his positive attitude which helps him afford more opportunities for success.

It is our perception that shows us how beautiful or wicked our life is. Our beliefs are based on perceptions of reality, which are shaped by our experiences.

Hence, you need to adopt the attitude of positive thinking in everything you do.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 62 CREATIVE

Day 1, the journey begins…. of natural wonder opened wide and everyone couldn’t help The first step towards growing but rush forward. As soon as out of the laps of my lovely I stepped off the plane a cool parents. I’m flying for the mountain breeze hit me. “I have very first time today. I was never taken in such a pure and overwhelmed by my first aerial fresh dose of oxygen before in experience. my life!” I told myself. Believe (The plane starts to take off) me, the air was so fresh I closed my eyes as I inhaled some extra What am I feeling right now? I’d dose of air. I looked upon this describe it as a rush of anxiety huge mountain right in front which was inevitable given it was of me, which couldn’t be any my first time flying. I sit tight whiter, some half a mile away as grabbing the seat belt tightly I came down the ladder. ‘Wow’ as the tin bird took off into the that’s the first word that came sky. Terrified to death as the out of my mouth. I realized how wheels left the ground, our tin little I knew about the beauty my bird embarked on its mission country had to offer. against gravity. Questions like “Am I going to live through this?”, My friends were quick to “What if something horrible comment on the cotton balls What does it happens?” came up often. that were still in my ears. They had a good laugh. I was so You must be wondering why indulged with all the heavenly take to meet I’m being such a crybaby. Yes, I view and I couldn’t care less. All totally understand if you think of this was so overwhelming that so. But what if I told you the it made me forget my horrible the great place we were destined to land flight. was the ‘most dangerous airport in the entire world!!’. Flashes Now that I have a couple of mini conqueror? of YouTube videos of planes heart attack experiences of my crashing without even reaching own I could probably write a this particular airport didn’t help book titled “How to survive your Unique Maharjan, BIM 4th Semester the situation at all. It was like first flight”. (Ha-ha) adding fuel to the raging fire. Skipping ahead from all those This so called plan which I’ve long hours of relentless hikes, been referring to as the tin bird appetizing food and exotic was a twin otter (merely the size adventures of day 1, we reached of a bus) which apparently is the a resting spot high up in the hills only type of plane that can take en route to Namche. Far off in you to Lukla . The plane was so the distance I saw a beautiful tiny, it would tremble at the site mountain which looks very of a strong mountain breeze and familiar, then one of our Sherpa start crumbling. Let me break it Dai says “Mt Everest ho ni toe”. down for you, every minute was December of 2010, I witnessed like watching a horror movie the natural wonder which over and over again. conquers all. So beautiful yet so (It lands) terrifying it truly is one of the amazing creations of nature. Despite all those bumps along At this point in time I was so the road we finally landed in excited and began to realize that one piece. It was an hour long it was all worth it. flight but it certainly felt like a year. The doors to the kingdom To be continued…..

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 63 d]/f tLg ;fyL

kjg Kofs'/]n la=cfO=Pd -rf}yf] ;]d]:6/_

cK7\of/f]df lbG5g\ ;fy, ;d:ofdf xft 6f9f x'“bf ;Demgfdf latfp“5f}, x/]s lbg /ft lbG5g\ dnfO{ ;w}“ v';L, u5{g\ dnfO{ dfof ;Sg] eP a:y]“ ltd|} jl/kl/, agL ltd|} 5fof eG5g\ dnfO{ lbG5f}“ ;fy, cgGt cgflb k|f0f eGbf Kof/f d]/f tLg ;fyL .

ltd|f] ;fydf x'G5 xf“;f], x'G5 v';L ;w}“ a;{G5g\ k'ik jiff{ klg, xfd|f] :jfut elg lbG5f} dnfO{ olt ;fx;, ;do g} /f]Sg] e5f}{ d df cfTdljZjf;, r6\6fg g} kmf]g{] 5f} ltdL d]/f nflu :ju{eGbf dfly ;w}“ ;w}“ ;fy lbg] d]/f tLg ;fyL .

gfR5f}“ xfdL v';L x'“bf, ldnfp“b} tfndf tfn h'6\5f}“ ;d:of;“u klg, ;dfp“b} xftdf xft slxn] vfG5f}“ ;“u} uf;, a:5f}“ ;“u} af; cfOk/] h] klg ug]{, ltgsf rdtsf/L xft sxL“ s]xL uNtL eP, lbG5g\ dnfO{ dfkmL la;{g] 5}g slxNo}, oL tLg ;fyL .

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 64 CREATIVE

What is Life?

Nikesh Vaidya, BIM 6th Semester

What is life, but an endless struggle?

Struggling to come out of our mother's womb to struggling to die an easy death.

Why is it that our lives are meant to struggle? It's definitely true that after struggle comes peace of mind, but why can't happiness come easily? In this realm of reality, it's obviously not possible, but think what could have been if there weren't any struggles and people lived Why is it necessary that success is only happily. There were no divisions between determined by our academics and financial worth people and every other human contributed to but not happiness? I’ve seen happier people who the happiness of other. No greed, no hunger, have never attended school or have never had a no selfish motive, no hatred and no sufferings. bank account.

From the moment we see the light on Why are there social standards to be met and why this earth, we are forced to adapt to the aren't personal standards qualified as successful in established system. We are born and raised to this society? receive organized education. We are to know about things which we don't want to know, but I’m not delusional. I know how difficult life can have to, for the sake of survival. be without money in this reality. It is almost impossible to survive without money but is it Why can't we study to get better at things worth more that happiness? where our passions lie? Why can't we study to obliterate the flame of curiosity? And why is it Schools should be giving life educations to lay that education has become a strict field often foundations of a child’s career based on passion accused of raising a cattle? and happiness rather than money. Career is

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 65

second to happiness, always. Happiness, I think, Where does the human race stand in this vast should be the ideal goal in life for us as social hypothetical multiverse consisting of billions beings. of galaxies? What have we achieved on a bigger scale? In this system, we are given education to go on and do business. Creativity is kept on being I think, if there was no concept of money from murdered. Our systems lack talent developments the beginning of time then the world would've and our global leaders lack empathy. We are been a much more peaceful place. People would continuously forced to make more money by the produce just to satisfy consumers and consumers day to be deemed as successful. We are born and would again in return produce something for the raised, we receive education and then we earn sake of others and what if this cycle continued till and settle with our partners and children; and today. A big food company would produce food the same cycle goes on. This may not be true for and distribute it to the people who like it and the every individual but it's certainly the case for the people would be happy to consume it. And this majority. Instead of fear for survival, if we had the happiness in people leads to produce another fear for oblivion, this earth might have achieved good which could be used by another consumer. those heights which wouldn't be imaginable even Thus, creating an exchange system for happiness in the next hundred years. and satisfaction rather than money.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 66 CREATIVE

GAZZING LENS

Sumit Kumar Singh, BIM 4th Semester

azzing Lens. One thing that I own, that gives me the purpose to do, that makes Gme explore, one thing that makes me be me.

If you go for the correction to the title yup the spelling is wrong. It is mistakenly written because I thought that's how ‘Gazing’ was spelled . I knew it when I googled the spelling after 2 months. It was already in my Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. I had already watermarked every single picture I took. So, I adopt it as a one for me.

Photography has given me the way to connect with people and know the lands and the cities. Exploring unknown places meeting people, taking their pictures and telling the stories about those places and people. Capturing every single moment in the frames. Sometimes I go out to take picture of something I have in mind but then I encounter unexpected moments and those are the best.

My pictures are not professional. I am the self-learner, where youtube and google are my gurus. I am still learning and even if I complete my training even then I want to keep learning, because owning the DSLR camera and couple of lens does not make a person a photographer. This is what I used to think at first place when I started photography.

The pictures are not good enough until you are really close to the subject and have complete control over the environment and camera. Because “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.” Said by the Robert Capa who was Hungarian war photographer and photojournalist.

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS CREATIVE 67

The never ending urges of a normal human being

Rohit Jung Karki, BIM 4th Semester

We're trying so hard to be someone that we end up being no one It haunts us that we're all meant to disappear Leaving no trace of our existence like we weren't even here

Why is it so damn important that we must shine Why can't we just let go and let the time determine Who we really are

Our mind is flooded with dreams But reality! it's slipping from our gasp We know we'll never make it But we're all cowards who can't accept this fact

Why is it so damn important that we must shine Why can't we just let go And let the time determine Who we really are

We are all here to impress When we should be here to inspire It's not just us who needs to fly but we have to take the world a bit higher

Why is it so damn important That we must shine Why can't we just let go And let the time determine Who we really are

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 68

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS 69

Travel Section

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 70

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS 71

Trip To Bhutan

rom delay in our trip to happily returning back to the dusty Kathmandu, travelling to "Fthe land of thunder dragon was the best trip ever. Never had we imagined that we could find such humble and down to earth people with so much to give and so little to take in Bhutan."

We started off along with a team of twelve in a Turbulent flight early in the morning of April. We reached the only Airport in Bhutan in an hour or so. We were received by the Director of Gaedu College. We were filled with excitement and curiosity as we left the Airport for a short sightseeing around the Paro City. Surprised by the people who could talk in fluent Nepali, the 4 hour drive to the city was not so long as we spent the whole ride singing to Nepali tunes. We reached Gaedu city where we were hosted and invited to be a part of the G-fest program. G-fest is an annual student meeting culture where the college hosts students from Bhutan, Nepal and India. It was a program with various innovative and fascinating competitions to test our creativity and knowledge related to business field.

After reaching the college, we were greeted and welcomed by smiling faces and khada to grace our necks. It looked as if they were more nervous than us but soon we started talking. Apart from being nervous we were mesmerized by their culture, polite nature and humble behavior. We gathered in a meeting hall and were introduced to our event coordinators and assigned our hotels. The coordinators helped us with everything and were busy fulfilling our never ending demands. Later in the evening we were given briefings about our programs and competitions.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 72 TRAVEL: TRIP TO BHUTAN

On the first day of the event we students (Bikash and Suchip) won in were all busy preparing for our Business Achilles. There was a short competitions, there were two events sightseeing program in Chukka after that we had participated in the first the G-fest officially ended. day of the G-fest. Dressed in formals we welcomed the Honorable Prime On 30th April we visited Thimpu, minister of Bhutan, Mr. Tshering the capital of Bhutan. Our first stop Tobgay. Later that day, he stopped was Royal Thimpu College. Then by to meet the students of Nepal in we visited Buddha point, the most person and had a nice chat. There peaceful and serene place in Bhutan. was a small ritual to welcome him The Shakyamuni Buddha, 169 feet and he inaugurated the G-fest. The tall is one of the largest Buddha program kicked off with business statues in the world which consists gallery and business plan events, of thousands of small Buddha the next day we had Ad guru and statues inside. The whole place is Business Gallery presentation. The made out of bronze and coated in college arranged cultural night gold. Then we spent the whole day where we performed Nepali songs. shopping for souvenirs and gifts to To our surprise, the Bhutanese take back home. After exploring the students knew most of our songs beautiful capital state, hunting for sang along with us. The third day beef momos and lots of walking we

concluded with events like Genius returned to Gaedu and had a very Olympiad, Battle of the plans, late dinner at around 12 am. Business Achilles, Bhutan Lately It was our last day in Gaedu college etc. The G-fest ended on the fourth and we left Chukka early in the day with Business Quiz. There morning to Paro after bidding was prize distribution program farewell to all the Bhutanese after the event where two of our

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS TRAVEL 73

friends and teachers. On Apart from having lots of humble people in Bhutan reaching Paro, we settled fun, Bhutan trip was very and become close friends in into our hotel rooms. After educational and gave us an a very short period of time. freshening up we visited opportunity to explore and After creating such fond Tiger’s Nest, one of the understand our capability memories standing in the most sacred and prominent and talents. Bhutan trip was Airport bidding farewell to buddhist temples in Bhutan. not just fun because we them was the most difficult On our way back we saw got to do lots of traveling part about leaving Bhutan. the New Fort made for the but we made friends worth With teary eyes and a Prince of Bhutan, District treasuring our whole lives; heavy heart we left Gaedu Head Quarters Zong etc. we met such amazing souls College and Bhutan. Long The dinner that night that touched our hearts. after the trip we still talk was from the winners of Being able to communicate about out late night trips Business Achilles, Suchip in Nepali with the people in to Karaoke places, climbing and Bikash. Unworried Bhutan made it easy for us the walls of District about the early morning in every possible way. From Headquarters’ office just to flight the next day we spent singing the same tunes in get the perfect shot of that the whole night listening Nepali to creating the best building, gossiping whole to Ghost stories and our experience out of the one night and all the memories never ending gossips. As week, we made memories we made in Bhutan. We the night ended so did our worth to be cherished. To really miss our Bhutanese amazing trip, we headed to be in a company of such friends, singing to Nepali the Airport bidding farewell humble and down to earth songs, cultural nights and to the most wonderful people it was a whole new Bonfires. Bhutan's Mess' friends we made in Bhutan. experience. Food and their amazing We were back to our noisy, Never had we thought, we hospitality. Bhutan trip was dusty Kathmandu. would meet such caring and indeed the best trip ever.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 74 TRAVEL

Trip To India

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS TRAVEL 75

t was a warm humid night, just wasn’t going to let that stop me. and respect them with all your as it always is in Bangalore. I heart. You don’t have to know was trying hard to get a good All those dark feelings vanished them to treat them like family. I when the team arrived. Their night’s sleep to prepare myself Expectations can be dangerous, for another routine stressful warm smile and friendly attitude don’t have any and you will day. Trying to gulp the harsh made me feel like I knew them get more than what you asked reality of getting up early and for years. I hosted them at my for. Friendship and love can going back to college the next place for the entire duration of cross continents and break all day. No matter how hard I tried, their stay and not once did I feel boundaries. I just couldn’t stop thinking. How like they were outsiders. I was could I? I had just returned from anxious of a certain script of Visiting the Pashupatinath the most amazing trip of my life! scenarios running in my head, Temple was an enlightening but what I got was something experience. We got to see the Being a part of Rotaract taught more valuable. It was on this trip, biggest statue of lord Shiva and me a lot of life lessons and that I got introduced to some be mesmerized by the beauty by taking up the position of of the most wonderful human of Chitlang and the majestic International service director, I beings like Saba, Bibek, Angi and Himalayas. have had firsthand experience Ash. They taught me the true in conducting and being a part meaning of love, friendship and The world is so damn beautiful. of many activities and programs. family. Up until then, I used to It’s not how the media poses it But none even remotely compare believe that it takes a certain to be. If only you let your guard to the exquisiteness of the amount of time to truly trust, down and let it fill you with its Nepal ICYEP, which was done respect and love a person, but abundant love and beauty. Don’t in association with Thames they taught me otherwise. miss out on the good things in International College and its life, while you concentrate on The adventure didn’t stop brilliant Rotaract team. the sidelines. Travel more, meet there. Going to Nepal cemented new people, make amazing new When myself and Rotaractor my new-found beliefs. Saba friends. It’s True! Travel does Bibek spoke about the possibility welcomed us to her house and change you! of an ICYEP a few months took care of us like her own before, little did I know that family. The Thames Rotaract Thank you Bibek, Saba, Manima, this would turn out to be such team led by my dear brother Angi and Ash. You guys have a huge turning point in my life. Bibek did an extraordinary job in been an important milestone in I was just a regular guy trying taking care of our comfort and my life. You have my utmost love to do justice to my club as an showing us the heritage of such and respect. You are part of my ISD by doing a worthwhile a beautiful country. family and forever remain in my program. As slowly the pieces memory for making me a better I was a regular south Indian boy, of the puzzle was put together person and giving me a spiritual ignorant of anything else other and the ICYEP came to life. I was and soulful journey. I definitely than my immediate environment. nervous, excited and ecstatic. It look forward to coming back to But ICYEP showed me and started off with the Nepal Team Nepal one day. But even if life my team the truth. Nepal is coming to Bangalore. As the train stops that from happening, I impeccable, so are the Nepalese. approached, a million thoughts know there are people there who will remember me for a lifetime ran through my head. I didn’t I realized, you don’t have to as will I. Love you all! know if I was ready for it, but I know a person personally to love

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 76 TRAVEL

Belle France

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS TRAVEL 77

Not only me I know it was residing in everyone. We were in the city of love what more can we expect. But we were there only for one night only to return back after a week.

n May 6, the day it. After that we were heading smile on their face. We all was finally here. towards St. Christopher’s Inn greeted them and went OMy excitement was through metro. The tickling towards our new to be out of order. Who wouldn’t feeling was residing inside house with respective host be? I was going to France. of me. Not only me I know it family. My host was Mme The beautiful country. I was residing in everyone. We Odile Dangerfield. A smart was waiting for this day for were in the city of love what single mother. This way my so long. I am not the only more can we expect. But we first experience of being in one with full excitement. were there only for one night a host family which was a Everyone Monil, Suraj, only to return back after bit daunting and exciting Ragini, Norkey, Priyanka and a week. Next morning we too. I was a bit hesitant how even Kriti ma’am was excited went towards Montpellier. this experience would be and looking forward to this It was around three and a but trust me I had the most dream trip: The Trip to half train ride from Paris. I memorable and incredible France: the land of art, love, couldn’t even sleep in the stay. Now I wonder how music and glamour. train though I was tired would I manage to adjust in because I just couldn’t stop the completely new place The moment we flew from staring out of the window and unfamiliar surrounding Kathmandu I couldn’t looking at those views and had I not been hosted. As stop myself staring out of the silent ride and music on soon as I reached Montpellier the window. It looked so my earpiece. my host Odile quickly helped magnificent from up there me feel comfortable, secure discarding all the dust all you We were looking our way and at ease. She took me could see was amazing city. to Montpellier: the most around for a short tour in the So our transit was in Oman seductive city in France same day and guided me how which was unbearably hot. with its own elegance to reach to ‘Accent Francais’, After two hours of transit and rich culture. When our host organization where we flew towards Charles De we arrived in Saint Roch I had French language course Gaulle Airport in Paris. It was Station in Montpellier, all for the next 7 days. raining when we landed so we heard about it was more unfortunately we couldn’t than right. It was indeed The next day, our first see the city from above. My so beautiful surrounded by language class at Accent brain was playing “Paris” by ancient architecture. Our Francais; we were warmly The Chainsmokers in repeat host families were waiting welcomed and assigned mode and I just couldn’t stop for us all for the beautiful classes and provided with

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 78 TRAVEL

schedule for the rest the stay a even got a chance to taste different Montpellier. The French course sea foods including Olysters and was a bit difficult at first but we all Octopus during our visit to Canal. quickly managed to adapt. Apart It was home to the fishermen and from course, one of the prime different sea foods. We were afraid reasons of adapting and learning and quite hesitant to try the sea the language was the host family. All foods but it was worth a try. At least the expressions used while having we had a new taste. At night after dinner or breakfast, general chats dinner we used to go Place de a about the day and other things in Comedie. It was the old city behind broken French actually helped me the square. It included many building a lot. I realized I was also learning with ancient architecture with the the language in my host family in a slight touch of modern innovation. natural way It was just like our Basantapur. The only difference was we used to sip We visited many different places tea in basantapur but in here we every day. We learned about the were grabbing beers. We could see French and Occitanie history by the freedom. We had no fear if some visiting Carcassone Fort which known face might spot us. We could was like King’s Landing of Game see people from different parts of Thrones. Also known as Cité de of life. Some were eating at fancy Carcassonne, it is a medieval citadel restaurants, some were grabbing located on a hill on the right bank of McDonalds express. Some were the River Aude. On the way to the showing their musical talent, some castle we could see many attractive were showing their skateboarding shops on each side. From amazing talent. Some were strolling their candy shops with medieval themes to children and some were walking the shops that showcases different their dogs. Everyone could be seen swords and armors reflecting the enjoying the cold evening air. We occitanie heritage. We even wore could see Tram travelling time to masks and played with the swords. time from our side. Talking about We brought so many candies to take Tram, the tram in Montpellier is back home which came in different considered the sexiest tram and we size and tastes. Inside the big caste could see why. It was painted with of carcassone we saw their arts and beautiful graffiti and every tram on the second floor they played had its own beautiful art of some a clip showing the history of that sort. The sound that it made while place. The palace included tombs, reaching the station still makes buzz paintings, sculptures and many more. in my head. Now that is a really great The one thing we were all waiting impact to have. for was the visit to the beach. The fine-looking Mediterranean located When we completed our stay in in Sete. We couldn’t wait to jump on Montpellier, we went towards that sea. All our tiredness from the Paris. We were energized but also tour disappeared in a snap. Sete was saddened because in just a week a beautiful town where we could see we were so familiar with that place. deep blue water under clear blue We knew the tram routes, we knew sky. Just the view of that place made which way went where. We did made our lips go “wow”. We played in the some friends and the apartment of water for a while lied on the beach the host family. We were not ready and enjoyed the surrounding. We to leave that. But Paris was waiting

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS TRAVEL BELLE FRANCE 79

We visited many for us. Paris was no doubt the as it had been taken down because glamorous city in Europe. It might of the poor condition of bridge. Next different places every cliché to call Paris a romantic but day our destination was The Louvre day. We learned trust me it doesn’t make it any less Museum where the Monalisa was true not a slightest one. We couldn’t waiting for us. Not only Monalisa about the French and say no to that. Could We? So the first we were acquainted by famous Occitanie history by thing about freshening up was to sculptures companied by antiques visit the one and only “Eiffel Tower”. showcasing the French history. But visiting Carcassone The majestic steel. We stayed there finding Monalisa was so hard. We Fort which was like till late only to witness the bright were racing with each other to who King’s Landing of light which looked more fabulous in will find her first. Louvre Museum the night. It sparkled its light every was full of really good artworks that Game of Thrones. hour after 10 and believe me it was will completely silence you. It is so Also known as Cité the most beautiful thing I have ever huge that it is hard to complete the seen which was featured with the full tour in just one day. The next de Carcassonne, it music of violin at the background destination was Notre Dame, one of is a medieval citadel that added another gem. At the first the finest cathedrals. Outside Notre witness I even forgot to capture it Dame it was hustling with people located on a hill on the in my phone because I just couldn’t but when we enter it is calm and right bank of the River stop myself from looking at it and serene. Following that we shopped we remembered our loved ones. It for a while brought some things and Aude. On the way to was only after that first sparkle that souvenirs for friends and families. the castle we could see we realized we should take pictures. The great thing about Paris was there many attractive shops We couldn’t stay more even if we was always music around which wanted because we had to explore made it more romantic like in movies. on each side. From more places. Another unforgettable At last night we felt sad for a while amazing candy shops place was Pont Des Arts also known and ate dinner enjoyed with wine famously known as the “Love Lock and some beers. Next evening we with medieval themes Bridge”. We were there in the evening had a flight home. We didn’t wanted to the shops that and it was also backed my amazing to leave but we had. Before boarding music. People were hanging out the flight all we could do was to showcases different on the bridge looking at beautiful say “Merci beaucoup” to France for swords and armors River Seine. It was the perfect all those amazing experience and evening spot to be after work to bid farewell. The hardest good bye reflecting the occitanie feel refreshed. Unfortunately we indeed. heritage. couldn’t lock our love in the bridge

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 80 TRAVEL

This tour and the sessions were not only fun but Director's also effective and motivating in my Merit Award day to day life.

SABA FIRDOUS KHATUN BBA Final Year It always makes you feel good when you achieve something and when someone appreciates about it. The program that college organizes for DMA recipients are always singular and filled with fun and surprises. This really motivates and encourages students to put some more effort in the next semester. Not just a refreshment, but an opportunity to serve and understand the community as an award from Thames is and constantly guides them towards us like we were a part of their something to cherish for. success. community. Not only that we got to give something back to community which was painting a school, this was PRANITA PAHADI AMBIKA KHADKA my first time painting experience. BBA Final Year BIM 6th After this tour, I learnt many things No words can really express the from people around me. I made new DMA refreshment trip has always joyous feelings in my heart when friends and shared lots of memories emphasized on creating and learning I think of the tour to attend the with them. new things about the new places and Directors’ Merit Award. I still environment. Earlier this fall, we got remember the first refreshment an opportunity to visit Nawalparasi & to ‘The Last Resort’. It was thrilling MOHIT RAUNIYAR Chitwan as a refreshment trip. I was and exciting. I also got the other BIM 6th Sem very excited about the trip because it opportunity to visit ‘The Park Village was my very first DMA trip. It's an honour to be a part of DMA for Resort’ and attend the session about the five consecutive times. Each year, ‘The Mindset of a Champion’ and We were fortunate to visit CG industries in Nawalparasi where college takes us to the DMA program after few months, the ‘Madi’ tour. which recognizes our hard work and This tour and the sessions were we got to see the production & packaging process of noodles. It rewards us with beneficial programs. not only fun but also effective and was a good experience for us. After We get to learn different things from motivating in my day to day life. Nawalparasi, we were departed to workshop which is conducted by What a privilege it is to be a part of Madi, Chitwan. We stayed at a home college and get to meet fellow DMA such an amazing organization which stay there and their hospitality recipients. It was wonderful having has incredible and inspirational amazed me. They welcomed us the opportunity to get to know each vision for students, encourages them with their open arms and treated one of them better. It is my privilege

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS TRAVEL 81 to be a part of an organization such an opportunity and I feel proud URUSHA SHRESTHA which encourages the students to be a part of Thames. BBA 4th Sem to be successful by giving them SIMRAN SILPAKAR It is always very satisfying and refreshment treats like the ‘DMA’. BASW Final Year cheerful experience to receive

I still reminisce the day when I was a certificate or an award. It ANGIRASH KARKI given the first letter of invitation feels good being appreciated by for receiving Director’s Merit someone. Receiving recognition BIM 4th Sem Award (DMA) in the recognition for our efforts is definitely a ‘feel As I reflect on the day I received of my academic excellence. Since good’ emotion. Thames has been letter from college being the DMA then I have always been devoted to organizing different programs for recipient, it still do my heart good. I learn with enthusiasm. It has been Merit recipients along with fun filled was selected for refreshment treat an honour to receive Director’s surprises. It was a great pleasure to to Madi. It was a great opportunity Merit Award from our very own be the part of Director’s Merit Award. I can’t really express how much this to meet people and learn something inspirational Mrs. Sarojani Sherchan. award means to me. new. The journey was long but It’s not only about the certificates was filled with amusement and but also the intellectual and I remember the first opportunity amazement. Despite of this, we had refreshing experience we get from that I got was to visit “The Park

DMA retreats. DMA recipients have Village Resort”. There I attended the chance to give something back been embracing the opportunity the session about “The Mindset of a to community too. It has filled me of numerous programs. We have Champion”. This session helped me with dreams and motivated me to do been taken for outdoor experience to learn that anyone can develop better in my academics so I could be and overnight retreat. We were selected more often to cherish the the mindset of a champion through taken to the Last Resort for outdoor practice and action. It was a great moments I spend here at Thames recreational activities, the Park International College! feeling, overall a great day. Then, village for an interactional program after some months I got chance to “The Mindset of Champion” with visit Chitwan along with my friends. Mr. Josh Niraula where we were This tour was very exciting. We went RISHAV NEUPANE given the course of Neuro-Linguistic BIM 4th Sem to the CG industrial visit where I Programming which gave us came to know about different CG Being a recipient of Director’s Merit the knowledge of setting goals, products. Also, the hard work of Award is creditable moment for me. enhancing communication and every labor motivated me a lot. I got I felt proud and honored receiving rapport building skills as well as opportunity to watch “Tharu dance” the prestigious award. Remembering two nights, three days stay at Madi, which made us more entertained. our visit to Madi, Chitwan still brings Chitwan for industrial excursion to Besides, I was given chance to serve smile to my face. It was a wonderful Chaudhary Group and Community and help people by doing social work. experience. We got a chance to Service activity at Adhyapuri It was a great privilege to be the part learn about lifestyle, culture of School. These numerous exclusive of this tour. people of Madi and our visit to CG experiences have helped me to This is something that I will cherish industry also helped us understand explore and enrich myself. I have throughout my life. Director’s Merit the practical implementation of our created a bond with many Thames Award has been an inspiration for theoretical knowledge. As a whole, Students with whom I have shared every student at Thames. This has it was a wonderful journey. I'm glad wonderful and aspiring moments encouraged me to do better in that I chose Thames International with. Being part of Thames has been upcoming days. College that provides students with a privilege!

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 82 MY FIRST WEEK AT THAMES

This is Thames

This section briefly fter a gap of six boring months, I in the simplest of the things trying to packed myself with nothing but a stand out of the crowd. With the first explores the pen and a few bucks and headed A session of the day in the computer experiences of freshmen towards the institution which I believe lab by Mr. Sumeru Maharjan about in and trust to brighten up my future- the tools and techniques to be used on their very first day Thames International College. in Thames, most of the fresher’s had already been to the four corners. of college. Thames With a determination in my mind and International College a big grin in my face, I took a deep Anup Uprety (BBA 2016) refreshing breath and made my way always tries its very best through the gate. It was like Narnia to make students feel to me, a wonderful mysterious land y first day of college was but with sets of guidance sent in our on November 15, 2016. I comfortable inside their respective emails. I glanced at the felt a bit grown up and schedule on my cell phone and pushed M gates. And as a student, responsible. Then we moved towards myself towards the room tagged B202. the auditorium where our group had you look forward to Ms. Kriti KC, an amazing mentor, took the first session with Mr. Josh Niraula know every corner of out the fun that we had in us and gave about mindset of a champion. The us some wonderful time. She explained session was set for 3 hours. I thought the organization that about the four years journey that lay in it was going to be a boring and a very is going to be with you front of us. long one. My friend was convinced that she’d fall asleep but the session It continued with Mr. Ayushman for four years, if not a turned out to be the best session in Sherchan’s session on the different the orientation week. He was such lifetime. activities held, different paths we had an inspiring person. He shared many to take and the different amazing knowledgeable ideas and told us about opportunities set for us to grab. We some champions of the world and the were then asked to introduce ourselves country itself. He taught us about the and we all did; all of us giving our best power of smile. It was too good. It has created a very good impact on me and I have been following it since then.

Then we continued towards the session of Mr. Ayush Man Sherchan, Life at Thames. He presented about the Thames Lifestyle. He also showed us the dance cover of ‘Nira Jahile Risaune’ done by the dance club of Thames. He also showed some more videos of the college functions. The session was of only an hour which, in my opinion, was not enough. The session ended and hence the first day too ended by thinking that life at Thames is will be a interesting one. This day made a

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS MY FIRST WEEK AT THAMES 83

positive change on me. My behavior had been changed and my perspectives on different things too changed.

Raunak Sainju (BIM 2016)

got out of the micro in Gaushala and because I was running late, I walked Iso fast I was surprisingly impressed at my own speed.

After I entered the college, I was panicking. I was late and did not know where I was expected to be. Then I saw Debanjana ma’am, standing in front of the reception, helping everyone find their classrooms.

She sent me to the first class where I met Jayshree ma’am. She explained how we get nervous when too many people are around us. In the same class, we excited about new friends, socializing As it was a completely new place got a hint about doing case studies. and gossips while some had fears about for me, I was very nervous. When After that we gave a presentation about exams, grades and assignments. She I entered the college, all I could our cases. It was a great experience told something that was very strange see was new faces and my palms and the nervousness was gone. to all of us; she told us that she is started sweating. I knew where my There was another class, the same day, going to give us a lifelong assignment. first class was, so I directly went by Kriti ma’am about career mapping. She gave all of us two sheets of paper to the lab. Anil Sir welcomed me It started by sticking notes of fears where we were supposed to write what with a sarcastic comment because and joys about starting a new life at kind of career we wanted right now. I I was late. I learned about Google Thames in the board. All of us pasted knew myself more and what I wanted. Classroom and Dolphin System and a lot of different things, some were She told us that the things we wrote how things were done around here. that day would change as the time passes so we should keep on adding After that, we moved to another things on that paper, and that is how it class for the next session. I went was our lifelong assignment. and sat at the last as everyone were in groups talking to each other After that there was a break and the and I was actually alone. After the last class of that day was about life at session started, I started chatting Thames by the Director Ayushman with the guy sitting beside me. I Sherchan. He told us about how our felt comfortable as I finally had a life would be at Thames, what our friend now. During the break, he mind will be after finishing our studies introduced me to more people. here. Then he showed us some fun videos regarding college activities and Our final orientation class for the programs. After watching the videos, day was Career Mapping with Kriti I was sure that life here would be Ma’am. She made us write about awesome. our plans for the future and asked us to post a picture about the Shreya Shrestha (BIM 2016) orientation class in our social media account. Our sessions were over for the day, so we headed home. I left aking up at 6 in the morning, the college alone, but with some I was kind of excited and memories. Wkind of scared as it was my first day at Thames and I was in Aseem Khatiwada (BIM 2016) a orientation group with complete strangers.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 84

ven after a break of six slowly scanned the room to see the first day, November 15, and months, I wasn’t quite what others were having and all new students were expected Eready to start studying finally ordered a plate of momos before 8 in the morning. again. However, I did get up and which, I really liked. The next managed to look at the schedule class I attended was called ‘life at I was not nervous in the morning, of my orientation. After I finally thames’. but the night before wasn’t great. convinced myself to get ready, I Thoughts about my very first day met up with a friend who shared In this class, we were made in a new environment hampered the same schedule as and headed familiar with all possible learnings my usual sleep schedule. I slept to college. beyond the books. Ayush sir late and the last thing on my mind showed us different videos that was to keep a smile on my face. The first class I attended was that gave me a glimpse of what my life of Anil sir and Sumeru sir. They at thames could look like. Overall, I arrived just on time along with a talked us through the technical my first day here exceeded my familiar face. We were all taken to tools we’d be using for the next expectations. the computer lab where we were four years and helped us setup all introduced to our student our personal dolphin account. Asmika Ali (BIM 2016) database and e-mail culture of the I could feel the nervousness in college. The idea of interacting everyone, I noticed that some and learning through e-mail girls sitting beside me were or google classroom was very s the groups were divided having some problems but were interesting. It felt modern and for the orientation, I was a hesitant to ask questions. Then efficient. It was indeed inspired bit happy to see at least one we were given a break which I A by the use of technology in familiar face in my group. It was spent at the canteen. I wasn’t education abroad. better than being alone. It was sure about what to order so, I

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS 85

We were also taught to search and borrow books, from David J. Rusk Library via our dolphin accounts. Dolphin is the name of Thames’ student database. It could be done from anywhere and I found it very easy. All we had to do was to collect the book and submit it whenever we wanted.

After the lab session, we were taken to the class, “Life at Thames” that was conducted by Ayush Man Sherchan Sir. He showed us a brief presentation which was fun. He showed us glimpses of all the past events that had been conducted in Thames. He motivated us to join our interests clubs such as music, sports, IT, management etc. He also assigned us into groups to discuss our expectations from Thames which was fun as well as productive. That concluded the session of “Life at Thames.”

From my first day at Thames, I learnt many new things and made new friends. I learnt many new things to discuss in groups and present it to an unknown crowd. It was a nervous fifteen minutes but it was fun. The whole day was interesting and was a good day in general.

Ayush Shakya (BIM 2016)

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 86

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS 87 Events Highlight

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 88 EVENTS HIGHLIGHT

Photography Workshop and Photo Walk with Santosh Raj Pathak

hotography Workshop and Photo Walk with Santosh Raj Pathak" was held on the 11th and "Pthe 12th of February 2017. Santosh Raj Pathak is a Thames alumni and a photographer by passion. He is also working at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development as a Partnership Contract Officer. Generally, he loves to travel, interact with people and click different subjects that come along his journey in life. This was a two day event. On the first day, they had the photography workshop at the college itself. The workshop facilitated by Mr. Pathak helped the students learn photography basics, like photo composition, skills like exposure triangle and much more. Instructor also shared some of his portfolios (portraits, macro, wildlife and travel). The second day was the Photo Walk which was scheduled to take place at one of the famous cultural heritage site, Bhaktapur. Participants walked and took pictures of anything they find interesting and put their learning to use. The photo walk marked the application of learned skills and techniques under the mentorship of facilitators. Students participating in this event were awarded by ½ leadership point. We extend our appreciation towards Mr. Pathak for facilitating the session helping students develop a flair for the art and creating zeal to learn more of it.

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS EVENTS HIGHLIGHT 89

Santosh Raj Pathak is a Thames alumni and a photographer by passion. He is also working at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development as a Partnership Contract Officer.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 90 EVENTS HIGHLIGHT NORDIC TALK on ‘Future Career in Development Cooperation- Nordic vs. Nepalese Views’

A Panel Discussion - Nordic Talk on 'Future Career in Development Cooperation-Nordic vs. Nepalese Views', a college level engagement with its primary target audience being the youth was held on December 12, 2016 at the auditorium of Thames International College.

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS EVENTS HIGHLIGHT 91

One of the primary some of which included agendas of the program the following: is to foster a critical l How to take the discourse on Nepal’s first steps in the development in the light development of the Nordic values and cooperation career? principles. l What is the future The panelists comprised of the development of Hon. Rabindra cooperation in general? Adhikari (Chairman of Legislative Parliamentary l How do the Development Committee), government authorities Mr. Damar Prd. Ghimere direct development and investments that small-scale industries, (Operations Manager, cooperation resources play an effective role rural infrastructure UN Woman), H.E. Jorma in Nepal? in the development development, changing Suvanto (Ambassador, cooperation of any orientation of education The panel discussion Embassy of Finland, country especially in system by giving addressed the various Kathmandu) moderated Nepal. more emphasis on issues and problems such by Mr. Anil Chitrakar technical education as social welfare, gender (Founder, Siddhartha Inc.). Possible solutions and in response to market equality, child care, work The student presenters proved implementations and global demands, life balance, agriculture for the talk were Ms. through the study of increasing platform & land policies, food Rubina Awale (Graduate of Nordic countries and for youths to increase security, social security, BASW) and Mr. Tshering their developments were their capabilities for natural resources, Sherpa (Graduate of BBA). presented and discussed improvement, ensuring youth involvement, upon. The aspects social welfare and The panel discussion transparency, sustained that we could adapt many more that would included constructive commitment, reliance were identified which contribute towards local discussions on the topic on market & finance includes investment and national economy. covering various aspects security, enterprises in micro enterprises,

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 92 EVENTS HIGHLIGHT

“Learning about MOU signing with different cultures and studying with people from Webster University different cultures he Memorandum of institutions. not only broadens Understanding (MOU) has “We’re excited by this partnership, been signed by Thames our world view but T both to welcome more Nepalese International College with Webster students to Webster and to create also the helps us University in St.Louis, Missouri, the possibility of other forms of United States of America, which collaboration, including faculty understand and is designed to provide students exchange,” said Peter Maher, from Nepal an opportunity to go to appreciate the Webster’s associate vice president Webster University in St. Louis, for of Academic Affairs, International world better. Our their higher studies. The MOU was Campuses and Initiatives. ability to respect signed by Dr. Peter Maher, Associate Vice President of International Webster is an independent, and appreciate Partnerships on behalf of Webster unconventional university with different cultures University and by Mr. Rajendra Man multiple branches across the Sherchan, Chairman on behalf of United States and other countries and people will be Thames International College. The like Thailand, Switzerland, keys to success, ceremony took place at the David J. Netherland, China and Ghana. It Rusk Library, Thames International offers undergraduate and graduate be it at workplace, College, in the presence of officials programs in various disciplines, from Tribhuvan University, college including the liberal arts, fine and community or management committee members, performing arts, teacher education, home.” faculty and educators from different business and management.

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS EVENTS HIGHLIGHT 93

Mr. Sujan Kayastha the director an opportunity of being able credits. of Academic Affairs at Thames to complete their academic As part of the program, they International College is an programs that they have started will also be awarded exclusive alumnus of Webster University. at Thames, in the continent of scholarship making their study Sujan Kayastha studied in their choice. This partnership abroad more affordable. multiple countries during his with Webster University, a time at Webster University, and global university, enables graduated twice, each time in a students to now transfer their different nation. “Travelling and credits to any of their campuses Bachelors & Masters in studying in different countries in USA, Thailand, Switzerland, 4.5 Years is extremely important in this The Netherlands, United Students pursuing Bachelor of world of global citizenship,” Kingdom, China and Ghana. Arts from Thames International Kayastha said. “Learning about This institutional partnership College after the completion different cultures and studying between, Thames International of the program in 3 years can with people from different College and Webster University pursue the Masters from any cultures not only broadens our will benefit students both of the campuses of Webster world view but also the helps in terms of scholarship and University. Webster University us understand and appreciate acceptance of their application. offers wide range of Masters the world better. Our ability Programs. to respect and appreciate different cultures and people will be keys to success, be it 2 Years in Nepal and 2 at workplace, community or Years Abroad Master’s Degree from home.” Webster University Students pursuing Bachelor in Business Administration Students pursuing Bachelor or Bachelor in Information in Information Management Study Abroad Management at Thames have and Bachelor in Business Opportunities the choice to study last 2 Administration can choose years of their program in any to pursue range of Master’s As the result of the MOU, of the campuses of Webster degree program from any students of Thames University, including USA and of the campuses of Webster International College will get Thailand, without losing any University.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 94 EVENTS HIGHLIGHT

Freshers and Commencement Ceremony

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS EVENTS HIGHLIGHT 95

Freshers Day Commencement Ceremony The Student Council of Thames The 10th Commencement Ceremony of International College (SCOTIC) organized Thames International College was held at Fresher’s Party on 21 January, 2017 at Regal Ball, Hotel Yak and Yeti. An annual Grand Norling Resort. It is an annual event hosted by the college, it is the day event organized and managed by SCOTIC. when parents along with faculty members Immediately after the start of the academic and friends come together to celebrate the year, Freshers eagerly await the Fresher’s hard work and dedication of the graduating Day, which is a mandatory celebration class. Graduates were reminiscing their every year at Thames International College. bachelor life with their friends once again. The very purpose of the day is to welcome It was a grand ceremony where graduates newcomers in the college family. It is the could not stop smiling with their black day when senior and juniors finally bond and and blue striped graduation cape and cap unite to celebrate being part of the college. on. They entered the regal ball with their Students eagerly look forward to this event families and teachers welcoming them, in a at the beginning of every academic year. line leaded by their respective faculty head. The stage is set for freshers to showcase The ceremony featured Keynote speech their talent and compete for Mister and Miss from Mr. Suraj Vaidya, President-VOITH Fresher’s Crown. as well as speeches from student speakers The event was a gesture and celebration reflecting at their precious moments at the to welcome the Freshers and to help them college. blend with students of different faculties, The event was a celebration to hand over and seniors. Various musical and dance the degrees and give farewell to graduating performances along with games were students. Graduates were also handed the prepared to make the celebration fun-filled yearbook which was a collection of their and captivating. The event also marked the memories at Thames. introduction of New Board Members of SCOTIC. Congratulations to SCOTIC for yet another beautifully organized event!

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 96 EVENTS HIGHLIGHT

Book Talk with Rookmangud Katawal

Book Talk with ROOKMANGUD KATAWAL was held at David J. Rusk Library of Thames International College on January 25, 2017. Rookmangud Katawal is a former Nepalese Army General, who served as the Chief of Army Staff of the Nepal Army from September 10, 2006 to August, 2009.

In an eleven chaptered book, which is his autobiography, there is a clear picture of the political and social issues of the country during his tenure. He also tried to highlight the conflicts of the Maoist, Civil war and Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.

We are grateful towards Mr. Rookmangud Katawal for his empowering presence and marvelous experience sharing. The efforts of Nepalaya, students and faculty members of our college made the event captivating and successful.

Book talk is an event where various best authors are invited in our college to share about their experiences regarding their books. It is an interactive session where students get the opportunity to interact and clear their queries with the author. This year there were two book talks organized by the college, one with the Ret. General Rookmangud Katawal and another with Radha Paudel.

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS EVENTS HIGHLIGHT 97

Book Talk with Radha Paudel

'An event with Radha Poudel regarding her Madan Puraskar winning book "Khalangama Hamala", now translated into English edition "Jumla A Nurse's Story", was held on May 30, 2017 at David J. Rusk Library of Thames International College.

Radha Paudel is a Nepalese writer and winner of Madan Puraskar for her book Khalangama Hamala. She was granted NRs. 200,000 and became the third woman to be honored with this award, after Parijat and Jhamak Kumari. This book is published by Nepalaya, and is about Poudel’s experience in Jumla, primarily sharing about the attack on Jumla’s headquarters by then-rebel Maoists on November 14, 2002.

We are extremely delighted to have Ms. Radha Paudel share her inspiring life-story and very amused by her bubbly personality. Thank you for your presence.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 98 EVENTS HIGHLIGHT

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS EVENTS HIGHLIGHT 99

NEPAL BUSINESS GABFEST 2017

n June 29-30, AMS School of from Urban Girl, Ms. Jenish Pahari – Business and Technology at Business Analyst from Team Quest, OThames International College Amod Niroula – Founder from in partnership with The Management ACT 360. Aayushi KC – Founder of Club and IT Club organized Nepal Khaalisisi. The session was moderated Business Gabfest 2017. by Mr. Pawan Shrestha. Second session of the day was on IT and Chairman of Thames International Consumer Security facilitated by College Mr. Rajendra Man Sherchan Mr. Bijay Limbu Senihang and Mr. shared that, “Nepal Business Gabfest Sachin Thakuri. Last session for the 2017 was organized as an unique day was on Managing State Owned opportunity for college students Enterprises and the speaker was Hon. to learn about the current issues, Nabendra Raj Joshi, Former Minister, trends, challenges in the Nepalese Ministry of Industry, Government of business environment“ Nepal. The two days event included speaker On the second day there was series, panel discussions, workshops discussion on the topic Embracing and lot of fun games. In total, more the Opportunities and Challenges than 600 students from various 10 of ICT Driven Business. The session various colleges participated in the was moderated by Mr. Allen Bilochan two days event. Tuladhar – Country Director of MIC Sadikshya Kandel one of the Nepal and the panelist were Mr. participants from Peoples Campus Kedar Acharya, Assitant Director, said that the stories of entrepreneurs Payment System Department from were really inspiring and other Nepal Rastra Bank, Mr. Durga Prasad session gave her an opportunity to Bhusal, from Department of Industry, be updated. She also enjoyed the Director (Industry Registration and management games that were also Licensing Section), Mr. Asgar Ali, Vice part of the session. President of F1 Soft and Mr. Sixit Bhatta, CEO of Tootle Moderator: In the first day there was discussion on topic, ‘Value Addition in Business The event also had workshops on through IT’ and the speakers were blogging, Agile Methodology - Scrum Mr. Kiran Timsina – Co-Founder Framework and Digital Marketing.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np

Thames Clubs 102 THAMES CLUBS SCOTIC

COTIC (Student Council of Thames International SCollege) is an elected body of students where executives in different posts work together and takes each students of Thames as the general members. SCOTIC organizes different programs and events like Freshers’ Party, Diversity Day, Thames Day, Grads’ Night, etc. It was first established with the purpose to provide opportunities to students to participate and connect stronger with the college. It continues to do the same each year with a different pack of members. SCOTIC introduces and organizes events that aid towards the core values of Thames such as cultivating respect for diversity, understanding of one’s own & others’ values and creating a student centered environment. This year, a new project, named ‘The Ramechhap Project’ has been introduced by the college where SCOTIC is given the responsibility to manage learning stationeries for a school. We have planned to fund it through money received from selling of tickets for the theatre show organized by the college. This is the current motive of the Council. There are other programs too which the SCOTIC has planned and it shall be conducted once the schedule is met.

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS THAMES CLUBS 103

Social Work Club of Thames International College

mongst numerous active clubs of Thames International College, The Social Work Club of Thames (TSWCT) Ais an elected body of students which strives to bring students together from diverse backgrounds and faculties to unite them under the common objectives of providing service. TSWCT organizes various range of programs with a social motive not only in the college but outside the college premises as well via which all the students from different faculties contribute towards a social cause. The most highlighted annual event of The Social Work Club of Thames are Rose day and Nepal Social Work Symposium. Rose day is celebrated by entire Thames College with an objective to raise funds for community service every year. This event comprises of rose distribution, song dedication, dance and musical performances, dance party, stalls with their respective cause and many more. Also, Nepal Social Work Symposium program is organised based on the theme of Wold Social Work Day. This includes various Book Talks, Speaker series with famous social activists, Panel Discussions, Stalls with social causes and so. Fundraising through Christmas Program, Flood relief program, Social Camp to Pharping, Fund raising for HIV infected/ affected kids, Blood Donation Program and speaker series are few of the many programs conducted by the club. The club has currently been working on book collection for Maya foundation and fund raising program for Shree Umakunda Basic School at Ramechap.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 104 THAMES CLUBS

Thames IT Club

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS THAMES CLUBS 105

stablished in 2012, by the first batch of BIM students, the mission was to organize tech related Eprograms and informative sessions related to technology. The journey from 2012 to 2017 has inspired us to work harder for the future and to keep up the spirit for the coming years. Mijash Chitrakar, the current President and our club, along with the members organized some interesting programs such as Training on Invention Lifecycle Workshop, Gaming competitions and co-hosted the Nepal Business GABFEST. The first program after the new board members’ introduction, students attended a workshop about the business invention lifecycle. Naina Shakya, trainer from Microsoft Innovation Center, shared the process to formulate business and business life cycle with the participants. Gaming competition was held on March 2017. We had a Counter Strike session among various groups of students where the winning team members were awarded with certificates and gaming devices. Our main focus is the IT fair which will be done in collaboration with other clubs. Also, another event related to time management which will be very supportive for the students is to be organized very soon. We’re now responsible for raising funds to distribute sports and extracurricular equipments for Ramechhap School. Our aim is to be informative by conducting these events and help the students gain enhanced knowledge inside the college premises. We, along with the college, are preparing for the ever- growing possibilities of technology by working with the talented Mr. Roshan Tandukar as our Club Advisor. Mr. Tandukar keeps us updated about the club and facilitates our necessities with his expertise. We thank the College administration for trusting our team and giving us all the needed facilities. We will be keeping up with the expectations for days to come.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 106 THAMES CLUBS

he Management Club of Thames International College is established by The Tfocusing on developing business students networking techniques, skill building, as well as management practices. The purpose of this Management club is to cultivate student’s management skills for immediate and future professional use. Club Additionally, the Management Club strives to establish great leaders who will use their valuable experience to benefit themselves as well as others. The Management Club organizes ‘Saraswati Puja’ every year in the premises of Thames. In the very first year of the establishment of the club, a Case Study Presentation was held where business related topics were given to the participants and the winner was chosen accordingly. The future plans are related to some quiz competitions and the major focus is on the ‘Ramechhap Project’ where the club is planning to paint the whole school and create a complete new environment for the students there. The management club is open to all majors in addition to students who are interested in enhancing their talents and credentials through interactive workshops and events. If you are interested in joining a new, exciting organization filled with members serious about their future and development then the Management Club is the club for you!

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS THAMES CLUBS 107

The Management Club organizes ‘Saraswati Puja’ every year in the premises of Thames. In the very first year of the establishment of the club, a Case Study Presentation was held where business related topics were given to the participants and the winner was chosen accordingly.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 108

Thames Dance Club

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS THAMES CLUBS 109

hames Dance Club was initiated by a handful “Dance isn’t only of students under the co-ordination of Aashma Shrestha and Wangdi Norbu Sherpa. The passion about doing some of the members helped the club to show its Tpresence by performing on August 2016, the beginning of moves, it’s about Thames Dance Club (TDC). After the recognition, the club started getting more and the feeling inside more members in a short period of time. Thames Dance Club is also a space where students can interact with each you, the passion other irrespective to their faculty, year or age. It’s a club that openly welcomes any interested individuals with the hiding inside you” passion to dance. - Anonymous The club grabbed the opportunity and showcased its caliber in by performing at varoius college events. Our work was received with warmth and positivity amongst

the viewers. The club initiated the culture of dance covers starting off with the hit song “Nira”. It was a huge success because the college and the team both co-ordinated well with this idea. We worked our way up to become 1st runners up of Ace Expression in our first competitive experience. We collaborated with YUWA in their project called “Identification and Management of Open Spaces(IMOS).

The journey from the moment we started and up to now has been very challenging but has made us headstrong and dedicated. We’ve built a great team and we hope to make more of the opportunities that come our way in the future.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 110 THAMES CLUBS

We feel that every day is a learning experience and Thames practical learning is the best way to exercise it. Emcee Club

enerally termed MC, Master of Ceremony, is the one who acts as a host in formal as well as in Ginformal events. Thames International College is a platform where you come not only to study but also to aid your personal development. This is done outside the classroom by engaging with the teams of Dance Club, Music Club, Futsal Club, Emcee Club, etc. Thames Emcee Club was introduced with a group of interested students under the supervision of our college faculty member Ms. Debanjana Bhattacharya. All the events of the college has been hosted by the club members be it formal or informal. The club members also got an opportunity to interact with Ms.Sandhya KC, VJ of Image Channel, a model and an actress. Book talk events of various renowned personalities organized by David J. Rusk library at Thames were hosted by the members Meena Sanba, Dikshya Karki, Asmita Dangol. Samikshya Rimal also got an opportunity to host the NORDIC talk event. Renuka Shiwakoti (member of Emcee Club) was selected to host Best Dancer Nepal, an event of Sushila Arts Academy, on December 2016. Our club members Renuka Shiwakoti, Daisy Napit and Mijash Chitrakar also participated in the training of Effective Emcee Workshop with Anupama Aura Gurung, organized by Edushala. The college sponsored half of the fees for these three students. These students were also able to share the experiences and were able to train others. We feel that every day is a learning experience and practical learning is the best way to exercise it. The Emcee club is a small step to encourage the students to learn an art which may become a career and to develop their personality. We hope that many students join this club and help us in grooming them.

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS THAMES CLUBS 111

Theater Club

hames has always been very is supposed to take place in July. We supportive towards its students. successfully presented a short act on TThe college always tries to bring “College Love-Life” on the occasion of the best out of the students. Thames Rose day. We received a lot of positivity granted permissions to form the Theater from the viewers which was much club, where we could actually explore needed after our very first performance ourselves and realize our potentials. as a newly formed club. We’re a small team of six core members Our family has six members: Samata, and all of us are dedicated and enjoy Ayushman, Ayushna, Hari Krishna, what we do. We usually have about two Manisha and Sagar. We have bonded hours of regular sessions by a theater enough to share our talks and connect professional, Mr. Dillip Ranabhat. as a team. And we really hope this bond We have been rehearsing for about continues in future as well with the hope five months for a grand event that of expanding it to the fullest.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 112

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS 113

Internship Section

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 114 INTERNSHIP

eing a social work student, we were not only getting the theoretical knowledge reading Bbooks inside the classroom, but also getting a chance to implement our theoretical knowledge into practical. Thames International College has been giving all the students the placement opportunities to showcase their knowledge in the practical field by directly working on various social work organizations.

In my 1st year, the college had assigned me at Child Watabaran Center, a well-known organization, which situated in Nayapati. This is where I got to learn about how such organizations actually work. Child Watawaran Center mainly focused on the Tusti Shrestha street children by giving them the quality education, BASW (4th semester) shelter, food and clothes. They were given a lot of love, care and affection due to which those children were emotionally attached to each other. During my placement days, I couldn’t help myself but get attached to them. I helped them in their day to day activities and other extra-curricular activities too.

Currently, I have been assigned at International Child Resource Institute (ICRI). It is a great experience Thames to be a part of a child welfare organization again. It is a Non Governmental Organization working Internship for the welfare of the children of prisoners. This organization has also been working to provide these children with a formal education, assisting them with vocational readings and also helping in empowering those children. Here, we assist the children in reading, writing and painting their classrooms to make it a better place to learn. We get to learn about We owe our how these organization functions and carry out various activities for a better and secure future of children – the most these children. vulnerable citizens My placement programs helped me develop my confidence, build up rapports, get new vision and in any society – enthusiasm to contribute something by myself for the development of the children, who are a life free from still deprived of various rights, opportunities and basic needs. That’s why I would like to thank violence and fear. Thames International College and its Social Work Department for giving us such opportunities to – Nelson Mandela explore and broaden our mindset.

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS INTERNSHIP 115

am currently enrolled in the my co-trainee and instructors. They Social Work faculty of Thames created a great learning and working IInternational College. I worked, environment at the office. My very as an intern, in COMMITTED (abbr. first work was about Scholarship Community Members Interested). Information where I learnt how This national level NGO, located to search scholarship programs. at Kamaladi, has been working We read Mr. Dorje’s blogs, where in Sindhupalchowk district by we gathered information about supporting 26 schools. Their the changing situations of Nepal major works have prioritized child through the course of time. (http:// education as they believe that www.dorjegurung.com/blog/) Anjula Joshi education gives an individual the BASW (2nd semester) freedom to dream the impossible My professional learning includes and carve their own destinies. three major aspects; punctuality, discipline, and mutual respect. Often in the rural areas of Nepal, We should always be on time, we children are deprived of quality should abide by the provided sets My education due to various issues. rules and regulations, we should COMMITTED strives to address respect everyone involved in the these issues as a part of its Sikcha organization. In a meeting with Experience Mero Adhikar (Education- My Right) Dorje Sir, Kriti ma’am and Devina campaign. Their core projects ma’am I got to know more about include School Improvement myself. Evaluation of work is an on Training Program (SIP), Social Business integral part of any organization for Education (SBE) and Local all over the world. We should be Session Governance and Service Delivery. I prepared and not panic at that feel very lucky to work as a trainee moment. We should be confident in COMMITTED-Nepal. I have learnt about our work and ourselves. My lessons of professionalism and honesty, humanity and confidence I have learnt how have applied principles of social- were the key to completing my to deal with people, work studies into practice. Being a training program and gain valuable professional is the most important experience inside a well-functioning how to work as a key to gain success in the work field. organization.

professional and how COMMITTED's Education Program Lastly, it was a great experience to to apply the principles Directors, Mr. Dorje Gurung and work as a trainee in COMMITTED- Mr. Drabin Pradhan along with Mr. Nepal. I would like to thank the of social work as a Gautam Lamichhane Magar (Project staff of COMMITTED and Thames trainee on my field Co-ordinator) have helped me a International College for this lot in my tenure as a trainee. They opportunity. I have gained a lot of work. Besides these, I tirelessly guided me and my co- knowledge regarding social work. have learnt computer trainee. It has been a great privilege I believe it will help me in further to be a member of COMMITTED and development of my abilities, skills skills, working style of a student of Thames International and knowledge with long term NGO and its working College. Though this is my first work career growth possibilities and experience, I never felt awkward contribution to society continuously environment. and nervous and the credits go to through these field works.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 116 INTERNSHIP

I, along with my classmates, started working there as we sought after a career in the banking sector. When we were about to be placed in departments, I felt like we were being prepared for a war mission.

Abin Kumar Nakarmi BBA 8th semester

Internship

nternship phase is an opportunity for individuals to furnish their career goal while defending freedom of expression Iand information. Interns gain experience and knowledge which helps them in their field of interests, studies and gaining future paid-work in the respective sector.

My internship was for about eight weeks. I started working at Rastriya Banijya Bank. I, along with my classmates, started working there as we sought after a career in the banking sector. When we were about to be placed in departments, I felt like we were being prepared for a war mission. On my first day in the customer service department, I analysed the way to communicate, build relationships, and deal with customer’s issues. Days passed and I circulated the departments; rotating jobs through departments like cash tellers, cheque clearance and cheque posting and ID scanning. One after another, I started to learn and engage myself in all the works. Our team work, dedication and work efficiency was really appreciated. Our hard work yielded returns in the form of our national lunch- Mo:Mo.

By completing more than what was required in my internship, I worked on to create a great impression that could provide a strong reference to aid my possibilities of getting a full-time job after graduation. So, when you leave the organization at the end of the internship, you should ask yourself:

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS INTERNSHIP 117

1. Was internship really that particular field is something you could see important? yourself doing as a full-time job. Unpaid internships may be easier to get but may Besides getting a big bite of the burger with also pose problems if making money is a potential employer and looking good on necessary, especially during the summer. your resume, look for several pros: The problem is that there are not many who • The opportunity to "test drive" a career can afford to work without getting paid, so now. (Would I be happier in marketing they are forced into doing menial jobs in or advertising? Would I be doing well on order to work their way through college. accounts?) This may preclude some from doing an • Chances of network building internship which may really be a detriment to the hopes of getting a full-time job. • Establishing relationships with mentors • Possible college credit or certification • An introduction to the field's culture and 3. Internships are a Learning etiquette (Are clients addressed by their Experience first name? Are jeans appropriate for Casual Internships are a great way to learn the Friday?) ropes. So, even if you find yourself filing or • Accumulating new skills making coffee, as long as you‘re learning • Gaining a "real world" perspective on an about the field. Try your best to take occupation advantage of the opportunity and don’t take the experience lightly. Asking questions is one key to learning in an internship and 2. Getting Your Feet Wet by Doing an keeping yourself flexible throughout the Internship internship can open many doors. Doing an internship is a proven way to In a nutshell, work with enthusiasm in your furnish your skillset, build experiences while area of interest and hope to gain the best establishing important connections in the experience where you hope to realize your field. Internship helps you find out if that potentials.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 118 INTERNSHIP

ecalling my first day of the internship, I visually imagine Rall my senses turning into chaotic streets of K-town. You may be wondering why am I over thinking about it, but to be honest, I had never participated in any of such programs before. I was continuously thinking if I had made the right choice to start my learning process through social work and whether it’s going to be valuable for me.

Days, weeks, and months had gone Anuja Nakarmi BASW (4th semester) by in a blink of an eye but still I wasn’t realizing that this internship journey given by Thames had brought delightful changes in my way of learning new things. One should always look internship as a learning process which eventually builds up My Internship your talent by a great extent. I usually found out interesting ways to enjoy Experience my organizational tasks and it made so much difference on the outcome.

As time went by, I was lost in the deep working environment which also made me realize how cool it is to love Learning includes what you choose as a learning curve. exploring your inner This automatically leads to a curve on your face disguised as a smile while capacity to enhance grasping the progressive jackpot of learning. Learning includes exploring yourself as well as your your inner capacity to enhance organization. In today’s yourself as well as your organization. In today’s breakneck world, people breakneck world, are drawn towards practicality in any people are drawn form of career selection rather than gaining skills and knowledge. Thames towards practicality has given a great platform to work with in any form of career two brilliant organizations, like SAATH and Search for Common Ground, selection rather than which had its individual pleasures gaining skills and and circumstances, later converted into magnificent means of learning knowledge. experience.

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS INTERNSHIP 119

vionte Solutions is a place where I saw new faces, a place where I met new people, a place with which Amy life’s new chapter began and a place where my Facebook’s pictures are tagged. I am bird learning how to fly, jumped right off my nest and landed here.

The first day of May was my first day. I went to my new office a bit early because I didn’t want to be late on the very first day. As I made my way to the third floor of the building, I found myself a bit nervous. The door was locked and no one was around. For a while, I thought it was a holiday because it was coincided with The Labors’ Day. I knocked and pushed the door but it didn’t work. After knocking few Melina Sharma times, someone finally opened the door. When I entered BIM (8th semester) and looked around, everyone was working, all new faces, some of them looked my way and got back to work and some didn’t even notice my presence. That made me more nervous. And then it hit me, I would be working here, learning new things from these people and being a part of them. I was brought back to reality by my new colleague, My New Rojesh, who showed me my work desk, gave me a notebook and handed me a key card which was for the door. There was a workspace set up for me with a bottle on which my Placeholder name was written. As I settled in, I looked at the bottle which made me realize that I was a part of this new family.

In some time, I was introduced to two other interns. We got the office tour and were told the rules around there. We then had an interaction session to introduce ourselves and give a brief description about our strengths, weaknesses and hobbies. We were briefed about the projects we would be working on. After a lengthy first day, we got our The office timing was contracts to review. 10am to 7pm for 6 I was confused reading the contract again and again. It made me question myself multiple times and made me days a week with only think maybe a better decision was to refuse the contract. one leave each month. The office timing was 10am to 7pm for 6 days a week with only one leave each month. This was not normal for me. This was not normal But, then I thought that this is the opportunity to learn for me. But, then I and grow. This is the phase where I need to get out of my comfort zone. thought that this is the opportunity to I signed the contract! And my life completely changed. learn and grow. This I am glad that I made the decision to sign the contract then. Now, I have a chance to learn new things every day. I is the phase where I made new friends and my supervisors help me when I don’t need to get out of my understand something. I am on a path where I will grow and learn every day. And, this is the beginning of a new chapter comfort zone. in my life.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 120

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS 121

Stories

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 122 STORIES

please be here as soon as possible?” “I will be there. Next week. I promise. For now, please hold on to Maa.” This brings Maa hope to Ratna. “Ratnaaaaaa, Ratnaaaaaaa, you forgot about the soup.” Annapurna’s loud, sharp voice makes Ratna hover nervously over “Bauwa! Bauwa!” Maa the gas stove which was turned on and screams as she clutches forgotten. “Maaaa, Maaaaaa, are you hungry? I think her stomach. we should go the hospital.” Annapurna asks while she caresses Maa’s hair. “Hajur, I am coming.” Annapurna hurries Hospital? Hospital frightened Maa. The up, carrying a few drops of mustard oil scissors, blades, medicines, even the Shivani Rana inside the cup of her right palm and some doctors. They were not trustworthy. The gastric pills in her left. doctor might kill her, Annapurna thought. What was the point of taking her to the As she sees Annapurna, Maa’s eyes relax; hospital if these were her final days? The her pain relieves. finest hospital in India couldn’t even cure “Ratna, make some soup for Maa!” her. So what is really the point? Just a Annapurna shouts. waste of money and time. In the kitchen, Ratna turns on the gas. Maa could sense everything around. She Then she hears the phone ringing. could sense sharp swords stabbing into and out of her belly, making her entire She makes her way to the living room, body numb, except the stomach. The each step making the phone ring louder. dreadful pain makes her think of her past. “Hellooooo, hellooo, who is this?” The Her past, which in some way, was worse faint voice on the other side irritates than the pain. her. This makes her drop the phone in It is really true what they said about time, anger. She heads to the kitchen but stops that time passes very fast. When did her halfway. daughters grow up and became women? “Oh, it’s you! Lalita!” Ratna exclaims in Now, they were the ones taking care of happiness. her, during her final moments. Were these really her final moments? Was she really “How is Maa?” Lalita asks. Her voice is low enjoying the company, love and care of on the other side of the phone. her family for the final time? All these “Maa’s condition is the same. I think you questions were poking their heads, asking should be here. She is okay when we are her cheeky questions, making her tremble around but she asks about you.” with fear. She was really scared, afraid of the unknown. What was happening “I really want to see her. Who knows how to her? What was going to happen? long she will be around, right?” Lalita Everything was uncertain. All her life, she shivers at her own words. had been determined, decisive, strong, “I can’t tell, Lalita. Maa is so weak and bold, independent and now, here she was, thin. She cannot even lift herself. We just crumpled in bed, losing the notion of time. went to the wrong hospital. Ummmmmm,

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS STORIES 123

Her struggles had made her strong; in Her marriage had been a success as well. some way, she was an exemplary woman. After all, they had started their own family. But, with three children left to be taken “I wonder how their lives will turn out?“ Maa care of, society didn’t think she could be thought. strong. Instead, they predicted that she The pain starts to kick in again and she had no future because all her children were wonders about her husband. Was he dead? daughters, not sons. As a single mother, If he had been around, would he have she had had to take on the father’s role as managed to ease her pain? Why had he left well. She was both a father and a mother. her and his daughters? There were only But her children did have a future. With questions. No answers. She could feel her her relatives help of course. They had been insides being pulled, making her heartbeat there to support her and create a new life race like a train. She struggled hard to for her. And now, her children were around breathe, to let air reach her lungs. She her, taking care of her, taking her to that gasped, putting every bit of remaining effort hospital! Her mailabaje and kanchabaje into her breathing. treated all four of them as if they were In the midst of the chaos, she decides to their own daughters. If the little ones had answer her own questions. She will meet trouble in school, they would be there him again. She will go to another world to help out, as guardians. In fact, their where he must be. Her brown eyes gradually presence more than compensated for the open wide, revealing irises that were swept absence of the real father. with a deep sadness. A final layer of sadness.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 124 STORIES

Reflections

“Why is my reflection someone I don’t know? Must I pretend that I’m someone else all the time? When will my reflection show who I am inside?”

Awishkar Lama

I know in my head and in my bones “You are ready!” I say to myself and step out of a muddy puddle that that this is a huge risk, that this I close my eyes to compose my has completely covered my shoes. would certainly be one of the biggest thoughts, to rehearse the words My brand new pair of white Vans steps in my life. But at this moment, before I say it out aloud. I finally has now turned brown, creating a I am ready to tell the truth and to gather enough courage and as I weird pattern, making me question express what I feel inside. However, start speaking, as I turn thoughts the choices I have made today. just thinking of uttering the words into sentences, my eyes fill with Finally, I start to walk. I bump into out loud makes my heart pound in a tears and I can see my mother, a middle aged lady who is hurrying way it has never done before. I can my beautiful mother, confused, somewhere with a small boy, hear my heartbeats drumming, as if wide-eyed, trying to process what perhaps her son. The words he is my heart was going to explode any she is hearing, collecting her own uttering briefly catches my attention second and stop me from saying the thoughts. Her cheeks have turned and surprises me. I would never words. But I do not want to live with red; her eyes are full of tears and have imagined that a boy his age the feeling of these chains tying me questions. could think like that. I apologize to down, keeping me from being who the lady but give a cold look to the I am. “No! I did not raise you to be like boy, making sure that his mother this!” she yells. does not see it. There she is, my beautiful mother A few moments later, a much softer waiting for me to say something. Her My mother! I wonder what has and more caring voice, cracks open, been going on inside her head. Baba eyes are focused on the cup of tea “What will your dad say when he she has just served, but I know that is probably home by now; maybe finds out about this? Listen to my he has also found out. Maybe he her ears are ready to listen to what I advice, son. Conceal your emotions. am about to say. She swiftly lifts the has broken a couple of mother’s Baba will kick you out of the house collection of china dishes that she cup with both her hands to takes the and then blame me for raising you to first sip. The weather is chill today. is so proud of, causing yet another become this.” argument between them. “Looks like it might rain anytime. Before she can add anything else, Did I do the right thing? Should I Maybe a storm too.” She breaks I run out of the kitchen. I rush have waited a little longer? Thoughts the silence. The clouds have been down the stairs and I stumble. But crowd my mind like streets of rumbling and grumbling for quite a somehow, I get a hold of my body. Asan crowded by people. Chaos, while now, ready to erupt, ready to I run faster down the street after annoyance and frustration. But I had let out those raindrops. I manage a exiting the front gate. to do it. I couldn’t live my life being simple nod with a nervous smile. neither here nor there. I am out of breath and I slow my All of a sudden, I can hear the sound pace down, trying to compose It is still raining hard by the time of wet drops hitting the zinc roof of myself, trying to dry off tears that I reach Chabahil stupa. My tears the furniture workshop next door. keep flooding down my cheeks. I have mixed with raindrops, my mind

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS STORIES 125 is lost in thoughts and memories. “I have it. I sneaked them into my and how much I enjoyed it with Somehow, drenched and cold, I find bag from my sister’s room last Dalima, when we hang out behind sweet solitude. night!” one of them said. Meanwhile, closed doors. I would borrow her Dalima, despite her small frame, was shawls and dance around, feeling “Why do you behave like a girl?” trying to stop the boys, only to be alive and connected to myself. The “Why are you such a misfit?” I recall pushed aside every time she made reflection of my made-up face, my classmates teasing and bullying an effort. wearing her dress, was one of the me when we were in school. Hitting fondest memories of my childhood. me with a basketball, pretending it A lipstick and a mascara flashed And the memory of us singing the was an accident. The ball would fly in front of my face. And then I felt soulful song “Reflection: by Christina 100 meters across from the ground fingers, applying the red lipstick Aguilera. and hit me on my face while I was over my lips and on my cheeks, then eating my mother’s perfectly packed something moving towards my eyes. “Why is my reflection someone I lunch with my best friend Dalima. I surrender. I let them take control don’t know? Must I pretend that I’m of the moment. Then, one of them someone else all the time? When “Sorry, girls!” they would scream and takes out a red veil and covers my will my reflection show who I am burst into annoying laughs. head and face with it. inside?” They disgusted me and at times Those words struck me deeply, made me deeply unhappy. provided courage to accept myself, Sometimes, the bullying and teasing believe in myself and feel good about reached a whole new level. Every myself. other day, I walked home with Dalima. We stopped at the friendly I jolt as I hear my cell-phone ring. bhaiyya’s stall for his famous chana- I am completely soaked and cold. chatpatey and pani puri. Those I ignore the phone ring and come bullies often followed us, like loyal back to reality. The rain has finally dogs who follow their loved ones. stopped. The clouds are now calm Except that we weren’t their loved and beautiful. I check my phone. ones. Bhaiyya knew we weren’t fond There are two missed calls and a text of those boys so he chased them message from mother: “Come back away, telling them to go home. home. It’s pouring. You’ll catch fever. Baba is here, he knows nothing. I will Dalima and I loved the spicy always love you for who you are and chatpatey and the mouthwatering with whatever choices you make. I’ll pani-puris; the puri so crunchy that be there for you in this process.” one could hear the sound as we crushed them inside our mouth and Tears roll down again, but this time, the pani the right tinge of sour that they were tears of happiness and made Bhaiyya’s dish so special. joy. My mother’s acceptance and support is enough for me. The world After that, we strolled towards “You look pretty gorgeous,” Rakesh may think of me as a freak and may home, reaching the long, quiet says. not accept me, but I am sure of the spooky alleyway that always creeped body I want to have. I know what I up on us. Once, halfway down the I give them a cold look, my eyes full want the reflection on a mirror to alleyway, I the same group of my of rage and tears. Then they push look like. I want to feel connected bullies were smoking. Dalima and I me and run away. Dalima tries to with my body. I no longer want to acted as if we weren’t bothered by calm me down, trying to remove the be trapped in a body that I feel so them. But Rakesh, the tallest guy horrible make-up from my face. disconnected with. I am ready to from our class, stuck out his foot “Brainless maniacs! I must look face the struggles. I decide to take as I was about to walk past him and terrible right now,” I say to her. She steps. My family’s acceptance is made me fall down. The fall caused understands me very well, and, with what matters and I am ready to be bruises on my palm. a sweet smile on her face utters, loud and proud and I am ready to As I lifted myself up, two of them “They could have done much worse. take that step of transitioning to grabbed me by my hands with a You look fine” express my true self. And as I walk strong grip. I panicked and started back home, I see a rainbow in the Little did those maniacs know how shaking. sky. Somehow I know that things will much I loved putting on make-up work out.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 126 STORIES

Sanguine

“Jeny, working late again?” how happy and content I was. I should never have been so stubborn and made “Yes Sam, two more hours.” the decision to come to New York, just because a few of my friends had chosen “Take care and good night. See ya.” to do the same. Like most of my days, I am again working The positive aspect of me being here extra hours. It has been a year and Ashma Rijal is that I am enrolled at one of the my daily schedule has been the same: best universities and doing great college, work and home. In the midst of with my studies, but the things I had the hustle and bustle of the city, I have sacrificed makes my heart heavy. Had been constantly trying to fit in, to feel I been back home, I would have been connected, and most of all, to breathe. studying Management in one of the This glorious, glittering New York has best institutions in Kathmandu. I would taught me the darkest truths of life. The have my friends and family around and first and foremost lesson I have learnt is amongst all, I would feel belonged. that the grass is always greener on the other side. My chain of “One Latte, please.” thought is broken “Some hot chocolate, mum.” “With or without sugar, sir?” by the alarm. It’s “Miss, one hot chocolate, please.” “Without sugar.” 12 am, time to “Here it is. That’ll be two dollars.” “Here you go. 3 dollars please”

close the store. After I got a distinction in high school, all “Keep the change.” I wanted was to come here, to a city with I disconnect the diversity and vibrant intellectual life, a Another lesson I have learnt here is to coffee machine city that nurtures the dreams of millions value money. In this city, no one cares if of young people from all over the world, I am hungry, or sad or sick. Maybe Bob and cover it. a city I had always dreamt of. I remember Dylan was right to say that New York is a I arrange the I had gotten really furious when my city where you could be frozen to death mother said, “Jenisha, at least complete in the midst of a busy street and nobody chairs, cups and your undergraduate and then apply for will notice. I have to take care of myself tissue holders so your Masters”. and to be able to do that, I need money. When I see Sam, he seems happy. After that everything Ignoring her warm and concerned words, his duty here, he has a family to go to. I looks fresh when all I could say was, “You don’t understand have seen the smile on his face when Aama. This is my dream. Why do you not his daughter and wife visits him just to Sam opens the want your daughter to be happy?” I miss give him a hug during the hectic hours her. I miss her scolding, and I miss her of work. But again, there are other cafe tomorrow. love. I miss her so much that I cannot colleagues, who are less friendly and are Grabbing my even stop my feelings from slide through always serious. Looking at them, I feel the corner of my eyes. Realizing that I that they have the burden of this whole jacket and keys, I am on my duty, I hurriedly grab a tissue world on their shoulders. They barely pull the door and and wipe off my tears. I think about smile and whenever they do, they have my life when I was back home. I should a frown on their face. They have been lock it. have realized that when I was there, trapped in a life where earning money is

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS STORIES 127

The positive aspect of me being here is that I am enrolled at one of the best universities and doing great with my studies, but the things I had sacrificed makes my heart heavy.

the only priority they have and it makes me sad to realize that I am becoming one of them.

It is almost midnight and a couple of minutes more before I close the store. I am insanely hungry and my empty stomach reminds me of dinners my mother had prepared which I had taken for granted and left uneaten just because I did not feel like eating.

My chain of thought is broken by the alarm. It’s 12 am, time to close the store. I disconnect the coffee machine and cover it. I arrange the chairs, cups and tissue holders so that everything looks fresh when Sam opens the cafe tomorrow. Grabbing my jacket and keys, I pull the door and lock it.

It is midnight and the city is still awake. As I walk past the street, I see different faces, some eating on the sidewalk restaurants, some on “Dear Jenisha, their phones, some walking with their loved How are you beta? I know I should have sent you one and holding their hands and some just an email but remember when you were young hurrying past, probably going back to their and lived with your grandparents when I was homes. For some reason, this sight always out, I used to send you letters and you really makes me smile as this is the life I chose liked them. So on your special day I thought of and this is what I came for. After walking sending you one. Happy Birthday. I know you down a few streets, I stop by a Subway and are living your dream and one day, when you grab a sandwich for dinner. I start eating the come back, I want to live mine with you. sandwich as I head towards the apartment. Yours , Aama.” Finally, I reach home. With a sandwich on one I had not felt this special in the past twelve hand, I look for the keys inside my overloaded months. This letter made me realize what I bag. I should have kept the keys in my pocket. have back home and how much my mother After a few minutes, I find them and open the means to me. These words made me realize door. As I reach for the light, I feel something how my Aama is happy if I am happy. Though under my feet. It is a card. As I pick it up, I I am miles away from her, her love is always realize it is a small parcel with a DHL stamp. with me and for the sake of that love, I have With excitement, I open it and instantly tears to achieve my dream. But now, my dream has come crawling through my eyes. It is a card changed. I want to become someone in New from my mother with a birthday wish. York so that I can go back to my Aama and give “Stupid. Of course. Tomorrow is February 21, her what she is wants. my birthday!” I think. I was so occupied that I I reach for my phone and type a message: did not even realize my birthday had arrived. “Aama, Can we chat on WhatsApp?”

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 128 STORIES

Despite coming from a middle- class family, Buwa made sure that I completed my SLC, which was a huge success back then. Although we were four siblings, Buwa had made certain that we were always healthy, well-educated and promised us a movie every other Saturday, if we performed well in our studies. My brother was the only son in the family and so he was the only one to able to complete a Mohit Rauniyar Master’s level education. He now works in a big pharmaceutical company in America. I wanted to study more and wanted to be a pilot, but I was a girl.

Aama left us shortly after she had my brother. I remember the day she Fading left. She packed up a sack of her sarees and faded into the morning fog. I don’t have much memory of Aama, but that one red saree of Away hers still lingers. Shortly after I took my SLC exams, my father actively started looking for a son-in- law. By the time I turned 17, I was married to a man I had never seen. Adjusting to a new family took time as the only person I could seek advice from was my elder sister Anita. On the second night of our marriage, I found that my husband had a habit of drinking. Anita had once shown me the mark of the lashes she got from her husband because she had dropped Every time I called him an imported alcohol bottle. I was afraid that I might get similar lash to ask him if he was marks from my husband too after coming, an indifferent I came to know about his drinking habits. But he never hurt me, at least NO would be the only physically. He said that it was just to response. He doesn’t calm his nerves after the hard work he did all day in the Doorsanchar spend time with me- he office. The alcohol opened me to preferred being alone, a new side of him; he would share his hopes and dreams as I patiently and I was left alone. watched him gulp one drink after

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS STORIES 129

another. I now spend nights

We grew closer over time, and awake, waiting for were blissfully happy. The nearby him to come home. park, with many pine trees, was our favorite spot for Saturday evening. The disappointment Every time our eyes locked, I could that I have been to my feel everything around me slowing husband cripples me, down. I felt the love and I know my feelings were being reciprocated. and my thoughts and We spoke to each other a lot and feelings are in complete over time, my husband didn’t even need alcohol to open up to me. One disarray. I feel hunched evening, he came home early and by the sheer pain that sat down on the couch. He signaled me to sit beside him and told me, “I I have inflicted upon want a son.” my family that I could We had never been physically never complete. Maybe involved before that conversation, it’s my time to fade and it felt like a perfect way to consummate our relationship. It was away. the seventh year of our marriage, and I was still unable to give him a son. After years of trying, we sought medical help. I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which made me infertile. My husband took me to all possible doctors and we had tried all the medicine available, but nothing seemed to work. I would see the disappointment in his face every time the pregnancy tests came negative. The only thing my husband wanted was a child, and I failed to fulfill his desire. The void left in our lives by my inability to He doesn’t spend time with me- he have children eating me from inside. preferred being alone, and I was left Aren’t I the one to blame? alone.

Our relationship started to change. I now spend nights awake, waiting We didn’t speak to each other much for him to come home. The and my husband refrained from disappointment that I have been coming home, staying in his office to my husband cripples me, and during the day and drinking during my thoughts and feelings are in the night. In these seven years, complete disarray. I feel hunched by I’d never seen him drink so much. the sheer pain that I have inflicted Every time I called him to ask him upon my family that I could never if he was coming, an indifferent complete. Maybe it’s my time to fade NO would be the only response. away.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 130 STORIES

In search of…

The world is dancing to its music What would it be like if having a divine. Hear yours! great taste in music was an art and we could make money out Who else gets these thoughts, of hearing good songs! I always having their quality seat on their wondered, listening to my playlist, sanitation fixture? I do. I believe which I thought was magnificent. Pema Sherpa good things come to your mind But the point was, I was not able to when the shit inside you decides dance to my music because I had to head its way. The spontaneity not quite figured out everything of my thought was sent to this guy yet. I was chatting with and in return to those jumbled up thoughts, I Was it that my music was playing received: and I was just not able to hearit? 'Have you ever heard yours?' This thought was so deep rooted in my mind that I just wanted 'I know every bit of me.’ I was to dance, dance to my rhythm. I slapped with confidence and wanted to sing about the joys and success. The guy who wanted sorrows I felt every day, about to know my favorite color a few the beauty of being loved and the minutes ago was now asking about misery of being ignored, about the my life plans and dreams. Playing kindness I encountered, the bouts with words and his perception of fortune and sometimes, about towards me, I created some virtual bitterness as well. plans for myself. I had always found happiness in The guy’s chapter closed but his music but now, my ecstatic vision question got planted in the small was getting blurred. I was getting field of my brain and started unable to relate to music and developing into a sapling. I had to happiness. My magnificent playlist water that sapling everyday even was now less charming. I had to though I could not figure out what search for a new kind of music, no kind of fruit was going to come out matter what. of that.

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS STORIES 131

A quote by Seneca came to my my skin. I was delighted, as if mind: “There are more things I had discovered the thing I to alarm us than to harm us, was searching for. With every and we suffer more often in drop, I felt more relieved. I felt apprehension than reality.” as if I could fly, high up on a colorful sky. I could hear music That alarm rang very loud. I in that heavenly confetti. With could still hear the echoes. every drop, a new memory Those echoes left me restless. flashed in my head. Thousands Like a small child wanting 'I know every bit of of raindrops and memories, every star in their pocket, I the memories of good and me.’ I was slapped wanted to collect every single bad times, the memories of sound I could hear with the with confidence and happiness and sorrow, the hope that it will help me memories with my family discover a new set of beats success. The guy who and friends, the memories of that my life could dance to. wanted to know my kindness and bitterness, all After another restless day, dancing to the music of time. favorite color a few which I spent searching for I had searched for music new beats, I walked out in the minutes ago was now everywhere. I had rushed so rain, failing to notice myself much that I had forgotten to asking about my life gradually getting wait. I never look for it within myself. I now thought a few raindrops plans and dreams. had the answer. Spending time could change my perception with oneself, in reflection and Playing with words so easily. But this time, the exploration, is the best way raindrops on my were not and his perception to end confusion. Yes, I have merely raindrops. Those were heard my music and I have towards me, I created like confetti pouring from the started to practice my new sky to calm my restlessness. some virtual plans for steps, read to perform a new Suddenly, I felt such euphoric, dance. myself. feeling the raindrops caressing

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 132 STORIES

The Chills of Magh

Creaks. The silence of midnight of relaxation. All her children are has loudened her steps down the now inside classrooms somewhere wooden stairs. and she has the house to herself. As she enters the kitchen, holding Her mornings are chaotic. She wakes a half-lit cigarette she stole from up early to prepare breakfast for a her husband’s drawer, she knocks family of nine. down the huge pile of washed dishes. A small blue container “Rani, I’m leaving. It’ll be late when rests near the chulo. She reaches I get back!” screams Kumar, her for the blue container, toppling a husband, who leaves early in the small karuwa and spilling water all morning in a white land cruiser over the kitchen. Her hands reach to pick up his boss and then head for a muslin cloth near the pile of towards the office. firewood. She must prepare breakfast for her daughters who must head to school or college. Her eldest daughter has just given birth after getting married to a construction worker living in Kathmandu. The youngest is a son, Anish Bhatta born about a decade ago to end the long chain of seven daughters. She pours kerosene onto the firewood, arranged well in the chulo, out of a blue canister.

After everyone has finished eating, she eats out of the frying pan, thinking about how one less dirty dish can be a blessing during this unforgiving month of Magh. It’s already afternoon by the time she finishes washing her dishes. A heap “It’s a house of of dirty laundry awaits her on the mud. The floor porch. Every day of her married life has had the same routine. Life has will soak the always been inside the old red house water,” she thinks, whose floors are yet to be scrubbed with red mud. reluctant to touch Tea is her favorite drink. After a any more water rigorous routine she goes through than she has to. every day, tea gives her a sense

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS STORIES 133

“It’s a house of mud. The floor will stories about how wives had to burn soak the water,” she thinks, reluctant themselves along with their dead to touch any more water than she husbands, she used to be terrified. has to. After she was married to a man older than herself, she had that She takes the tea to the master same fear, even though the awful bedroom where her husband passes Sati tradition had been abolished out every night after his drinking years ago. But after more than routine. The carpet smells like two decades of being married to rum and has little holes dug by Kumar, she had lost the will to live. the embers of his never-ending Sometimes, she pictured killing cigarettes. Puffing away another Kumar, but her children needed a cigarette, she stares at the photo of provider. Her halted education was Lord Shiva hanging on her wall. She her handcuff and divorce was a cannot stay in the room. The burnt concept she’d never heard of. end of the cigarette now rests on Lord Shiva’s genitals. She burnt her Naked, she comes out of the covers, wedding photos last week using her tired of lying beside her booze- husband’s alcohol. guzzling husband. She somehow couldn’t feel the cold; she could only She is tired. sense the intense fire burning inside Holding her lower back, she gently her. The agony of hell she has gone lies on the bed after her rigorous through makes the chills of winter Naked, she comes day. She hears a huge burp on the feel pleasant. out of the covers, hallway and smells tobacco. Kumar is The creaks cannot be heard as she home early. Knowing the intentions tired of lying beside walks barefoot down the stairs. behind Kumar’s early arrival, she She has now locked the doors of her booze-guzzling automatically starts undressing in every room as her daughters sleep fear. The ends of Kumar’s cigarettes husband. She peacefully with their nephew, a and whips of his leather belt visitor during his vacations. The somehow couldn’t decorate her body. A firm grip clasps floors are getting wetter with every her right shoulder and she shuts feel the cold; she step she takes holding the blue her eyes in anguish. The next thing canister. could only sense the she remembers is standing in the bathroom. In agony, she pours cold She stands naked on the porch. Her intense fire burning water from the bucket all over her goosebumps are clearly visible under inside her. The agony body. An offspring younger than the glowing rays of the moon, but her grandson was the last thing she she can barely feel the cold. Whip of hell she has gone needed. Hiding her agony, she does marks on her thighs, bruises on her through makes the her evening chores. back. A blue canister, leaking, on one After dinner, she is still awake. hand and a half-lit cigarette on the chills of winter feel When her mother used to tell other. She has decided. pleasant.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 134 STORIES Blessed

‘Momma, I’m not sleepy. Please tell me a went with her husband to her in-laws’ story. It’s been so long since you have told house, which was going to be her new me one.’ home. The next few days were full of more marriage rituals. She hugged her eight-year-old daughter, Ashmita KC took her to her room and lied down on the After a week, while everyone sat together bed. After covering her child with a blanket, for lunch, she gathered her courage and she started…… expressed her desire to continue her studies. There was a moment of silence. Long ago marriage was not viewed the Her husband and in-laws looked surprised. way it is now. At that time marriage was Her heart was pounding faster and her the final graduation any girl could do. face turned red. To her surprise, everyone Education after marriage was the most seemed to approve. Her husband looked Few years later, unusual thing those days. excited. Her mother-in-law said she also wanted to study but she did not get any Ambika gave birth She was just 16 when her family started to opportunity. Ambika had not expected such make arrangements for her marriage, even to a beautiful support and approval from her new family. though she had always told her mother She felt extremely lucky and blessed. baby girl. Time about her desire to study further. passed and the Every relative and neighbor were surprised One day, while they were working together to know that even after marriage the girl baby grew fast. in the kitchen, she asked her mother, went to a university. In those days women “Mom, at what age did you get married?” The daughter were limited to look after her family and in law used to “Twelve,” her mom replied. After hearing household chores. However, her husband have field visits that, she couldn’t even utter another and mother-in-law helped her in every way word. In those days, the idea of meeting possible. The family gave her unconditional and outdoor a husband before marriage was next to love and support. The neighbors regarded programs from impossible. the family as extremely liberal. the office. The Finally, it was the day of her marriage. She One afternoon, a next door neighbor aunty mother in law was beautifully dressed and looked like an came to visit her mother-in-law. They sat angel in a crimson sari, covered in gold. on the couch in the living room. Ambika took care of the Nervous and unaware about her married was studying for her upcoming exams so baby. While the life and her new family, she sighed, looking her husband went to the kitchen to prepare at the mirror. “She was quite worried about snacks and tea. Meanwhile, the neighbor mother wasn’t her education and her aim which she had aunty was peeping through the half open home she used nursed ever since she was a little girl like kitchen door where he was making tea you,” says Ambika to her little one. for everyone in the house. The neighbor to wake her up, aunty exclaimed, “Isn’t this too much? The make breakfast Soon, her mother entered the room and husband is working in the kitchen and the while putting the veil over her head she wife is nowhere to be seen. Didi, you should for her and make said, “Look Ambika, you are getting married not give such freedom to a daughter- her ready for and now onwards your marital family is in-law!” Calmly, her husband’s mother everything for you. It is your foremost replied, “She has exams next week so she school. No care duty to keep your husband and his family is studying.” The aunty then said that one was spared for happy.” This statement made her even more should not let their son act like that. nervous. upbringing of the Meanwhile the auntie’s son from next door grandchild. The marriage ceremony was over and she suddenly shouted loud and clear, “Rashmi,

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS STORIES 135 where are your clothes that needs her at college after returning home. washing?” Immediately, his wife The husband was openly amazed, replied, “Just have a look at the seeing how the two were attached laundry bag. You just like to yell atto each other. He smiled at them. without searching.” However, he too felt blessed to see such strong a bond between At the very moment someone the two. Every man he knew were tuned the radio on and they heard trapped between their wife and Govinda’s song, “Main Joru ka mother’s fight. Ghulam Banke Rahunga...” It was a funny moment. The neighbor aunty Ambika never felt that she had looked embarrassed and couldn’t actually left her maternal home. even look up to meet her friend’s Even though she wasn’t with her With her first salary, she bought eyes. The trend of sticking one’s parents, she never missed the a sweater and a pashmina shawl nose into other people’s business love and care.. Whenever she for her mother-in-law and gifted were common in those days. missed her parents, her husband a beautiful wrist watch to her would take her to visit them. She husband, thanking them for Ambika’s mother-in-law used remembered how she used to get everything they continued to do to spend most of the time alone afraid of marriage thinking how her for her. Her husband and mother- since the father-in-law had passed future husband and in-laws would in-law were very proud of her. The away many years ago. His memory be. And now she feels so blessed mother-in-law often looked at the made the mother-in-law very to have such a nice, loving and painting and smiled at her husband lonely and sometimes she would understanding family. cry remembering all the good and said to herself, “How proud and times they had spent together. As she was the one who looked happy you would have been if you Ambika also liked to paint and she after the household and managed were here with us!” She was happy was good at it. On the occasion all the financial activities, her wholeheartedly for her daughter- of mother’s day she decided to husband used to hand over all his in-law’s achievement and fulfilled create a memento which would salary every month to her without dream. The hard work of every remind her mother-in-law of the any fuss. She divided the money single person in the family was beautiful times she spent with her between expense and savings. In worthwhile after her success. husband. The painting was alive those days, he used to work at a Daughter-in-laws were limited in that it made her mother-in-law government office. the kitchen but it was different in speechless. She was astonished at her case. She had her own identity Ambika’s thoughtful gesture.. She One day he jokingly asked her, and she made her family proud. couldn’t stop her tears from rolling “Why do you always take all my money?” And with a wide smile she down her cheeks. Looking at her Few years later, Ambika gave replied, “It’s because I don’t want daughter-in-law she said, “Maybe birth to a beautiful baby girl. Time you to spend money on some other I had done something good in my passed and the baby grew fast. The girl.” They both laughed, looking at previous life that God blessed me daughter in law used to have field each other fondly. with a daughter-in-law like you.” visits and outdoor programs from She smiled and felt happy. The Everyone in the family seemed the office. The mother in law took painting is still hanging on the wall happy and satisfied except the care of the baby. While the mother in the living room. neighbors who used to envy their wasn’t home she used to wake her up, make breakfast for her and When she had her morning classes, happiness and harmony. make her ready for school. No care her mother-in-law prepared food Finally, the day came when was spared for upbringing of the for her and packed her a lunch box Ambika received her engineering grandchild. every morning as if Ambika were degree. This had been possible her own daughter. through her hard work and also the Ambika felt so blessed…. support she received from her In the weekend, while doing “Then what happened momma?” new family. She applied for a job laundry and other household asks the little girl. Ambica then and got hired. There were very few works, they would talk for kisses the little one on her forehead female co-workers who were as hours and share each other’s and smiles. With a wink, she replies, qualified as her. life experiences. Ambika shared “Then you happened my love! Now everything that had happened to go to sleep.”

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 136 STORIES

Mannequin

“Bimala, show them the silk saree we wait for her. At the bus park, people recently bought from Benaras. Show were selling clothes. There were them all the colors, the one with blue old men, young folks, women with patterns, the other one with leafy children secured on their backs with design and more. It would be better a long shawl. I heard loud voices, if you’d drape it on your body…. Oh some synchronized, yelling: three wow, this looks great on you! Maybe pairs of socks for a hundred rupees, you can buy this for yourself!” T-shirts for 290! I was quite shocked. At Sunsari, we used to hear such Dikshya Karki “Really?” I think to myself. “Does loud screams only during the yearly she not realize that I can barely get Maghey Sakranti fair. by with the monthly salary she pays me?” I forcefully grin as I undrape The wait for Heema made me the saree from my body. nervous. What if she took me to a wrong place, a place beyond the Life was difficult back then but it border? Or what if she did not show wasn’t meaningless. After all, I was up at all? My heart started beating Brother had quite happy to live with my parents faster as these thoughts popped and little brother. Father used to take into my head. I’d heard many stories stopped going me along with him to the thekedar’s about girls being taken to brothels, to school; Father rice field. I used to cut unwanted bars and to other countries. I felt patches of grass, fetch water and like a cat soaked in water. Fear couldn’t afford to sometimes help my mother with groped me as I started imagining buy him books or household chores. The thekedaar my life taking a drastic, terrible didn’t compensate the farmers for turn. Fortunately, I saw Heema at pay his fees. The their effort. Brother had stopped a distance. She was standing near only school at going to school; Father couldn’t the NAC’s gate and she took me to a afford to buy him books or pay his place called Shankhamul where she our village had no fees. The only school at our village had been staying. She lived in a small other option; so had no other option; so he opted room. It was across the Bagmati to leave. The day I left, mother’s bridge. I later found out that the rent he opted to leave. eyes filled with tears. Brother didn’t was pretty cheap. We have become leave my hand until I got on the bus, roommates since. The day I left, heading to Kathmandu. I remember mother’s eyes filled Father telling me to eat in time, not The other day, Heema took me to her to spend too much and to call him in workplace at Baneshwor. She worked with tears. Brother the thekedar’s landline. as a tailor at a shop located directly didn’t leave my across from the white building with The only person I knew in Kathmandu light walls. Some policemen were hand until I got on was Heema who used to live in our at the entrance. As I waited for village. Mother had found her contact Heema to call me from her office, the bus, heading to number through her network. I had I sat on a bench under the canopy Kathmandu. been told to go to Ratna Park and of the peepul tree. I could see a

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS STORIES 137

Sometimes, couples also visit our store. The guys often wait outside the trial room with a frustrated look on his face. That evening, a daughter comes with her father. She selects an expensive dress. Renu didi tells her father that she looks really pretty. Poor father! It looks like he will do anything to see his daughter smile.

lot of students gathered around a panipuri stall. I thought of eating panipuri at a village fair, trying to imagine the taste. Heema called and came out of the building. Then she took me to a shop which was only a couple of minutes walk from her office. There was a huge board with a yellow backdrop and a name at the entrance. “Ae Renu didi!” she called. Renu emerged; must be the owner, I assumed. She was wearing a blue kurta with golden borders. While Heema was talking, Renu didi checked me out from head to toe. I was wearing a flimsy T-shirt and trousers with polka dots. Those were the only clothes I had that was in a proper condition. The lady finally spoke in a Newari tone, “Maiya, have you ever worked in a cloth shop before?” I stayed mum. She asked Cameras flashing at me from all remaining money he had after other questions, one after another, sides. I’m suddenly nervous that the buying the necessary goods. My just like the way mother used to lady next to the shop might see me. I little brother must have grown by ask thekedarni about the movies quickly change. now. He would love it if I bought she watched on the television. All a new pair of clothes for him. In late afternoons, teenagers come I remember saying is that I could Mother is probably telling tales at in groups, make noise in the shop, fold clothes properly and that I was the village about the things I will give each other fake compliments diligent and would work properly. bring upon my return. She must be and leave without buying. hopeful. I’ve seen various kinds of people Sometimes, couples also visit our come and go by our shop. I get store. The guys often wait outside I leave the shop close to seven. I irritated when the ladies ask me to the trial room with a frustrated look feel like a warrior at the border display every design single from the on his face. That evening, a daughter while I cross the main road, jostling catalog. And after a long bargain, comes with her father. She selects against people coming at full speed they leave the shop empty handed. an expensive dress. Renu didi tells from both sides. Warriors who have Renu didi silently curses them. her father that she looks really fought selflessly. Warriors who’ve While didi goes for lunch, I fold the pretty. Poor father! It looks like he lost their identities and hope. I see scattered clothes. I try wearing a red will do anything to see his daughter other warriors all over the road: saree that has beads on its border. smile. She leaves happily with a new vendors, policemen, drivers. And at I look at the mirror and imagine dress in her bag. It reminds me of a distance, I see another warrior, a myself walking on a red carpet, like how Father used to buy us pakodas well-lit mannequin standing behind that heroine I saw on television. and jalebis during the fair with the a dusty glass window.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 138 STORIES Bittersweet

There he is again, floating outside my “Yes, but I can’t seem to fit them all into window. Gazing at me as I run out of air my mouth at once, hence the pocket to breathe. will do.” Sonika Neupane A boy of five with a mouthful of Unlike my father, I’ve always been Cadbury Gems, intimidated by the terrible at one-liners. She shrugs and vastness of the vertical uncertainty, continues to tell me about her work. gazing at the mighty sky, is the first faint memory I have of myself. Although A man in the distance distracts me from the only vivid ones are of visiting uncle the conversation with Rainey. He was Krishna at his office. Uncle Krishna gazing fiercely, almost directly at me. I was a friend of my mother’s and a get afraid and walk away without saying good friend of mine too. He always a word. Body shivering, aching from the had a spare page on his notebook for very core, I gather all the strength in me me to doodle on. He always asked me and I look back at the man once more. questions and offer me a candy at the All eyes are on me as I stand still amidst end of every visit. the tiny shops by the roads. Rainey has Uncle Krishna already left, perhaps in rage, and I keep A room that is twice the size of any of thinking about how else I could have was a friend of my friend’s bedroom. My two private reacted. my mother’s balconies and a bed in the center just like in the movies. A room with Unaware of the situation that’s and a good minimalistic yet sophisticated furniture unfolding as I turn around, I see a face friend of mine that my mom adores. One bright, full of scars, a rotten arm and a bloody exquisite picture of a flower, hanging on shirt standing still, leering into my soul too. He always a blue wall towards the east. A picture and weakening me from within. of my girlfriend Rainey framed by my had a spare Being scared of the unknown. The bedside. And a house full of well-lit feeling that eats you from the inside page on his framed pictures of me since infancy. and leaves a terrifying hollow in its The only boy of a well-endowed family, notebook for wake. Being unable to distinguish reality pampered by all. me to doodle from paranoia. Bidding my daily goodbye to my mother A ghastly looking man, covered in blood on. He always as she rushes off to her office and my whenever I open my eyes. The only stay at home dad. I head out to meet asked me thing worse than his pungent rotten Rainey for a cup of hot chocolate, her smell, is his smile, slightly curved questions and favorite. We hadn’t spoken since I got towards the upper right side. A tall cold awfully ill last month. This was the first offer me a man orbiting outside my room every time I was seeing her in weeks and I now and then as if he belongs there. candy at the was glad. Declining my offer of Gems Asserting his dominance intensely every candy, she asks “Isn’t it too childlike night, demanding to be with me at all end of every for a grown up to have a pocket full of times. Waking me almost every night, visit. Gems?”

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS STORIES 139

A father finds his son smashing the antiques that his wife loves so dearly, walking next to the shattered glasses and crumbled pictures that once used to hang on the beautiful walls of his home.

exactly at midnight. to him but I believe it’s rather too late for me to ignore him. He now demands to be heard. I lose consciousness; My days are usual. Being homeschooled for most of the rest is a blur. my years, I’ve always had fewer friends than most people. I hardly go out and party like the other twenty- The following night, I am woken up by a strange sound. somethings. I prefer to spend time with a small group I choose not to open my eyes. I know that a perilous of close friends or with my laptop, in the comfort of my situation is waiting for me. A cold breeze brings in own room. My nights on the other hand are unusual. discomfort and as I open my eyes, scanning the room, I After I finish my daily ration of Gems and plenty of see the man sitting in my dad’s favorite sofa, waiting for water, I fall asleep fast. At least that’s what Rainey me to be aware of his presence. Terrified and unable to always keeps telling me. And then he pays a visit, almost move, I feel his arms up my legs. Moving upwards my every night. chest, he now rests on top of me. His hands pressing my lips as I make an effort to call for help. The same man A father finds his son smashing the antiques that his with the crooked smile and a horrid smell. I struggle wife loves so dearly, walking next to the shattered to get out of his reach. But he just laughs faintly. Is it a glasses and crumbled pictures that once used to ghost? Have I really seen a ghost? This feels nothing like hang on the beautiful walls of his home. A father soon in the movies. It’s much more frightening in real life. surrenders and calls for his wife. The next thing I remember is gaining my consciousness I had hurt my father, in a fit of rage, only because the in the next room, curled up like a ball, like a baby in a man had told me to act like that. I shouldn’t be listening fetal position. I’m unquestionably sure of what I saw. It wasn’t a dream and surely wasn’t a deceit. Mustering everything in me, I wail. Loud and clear, and in agony. The pain I feel isn’t just physical; it seems to torment my very soul.

Since my mother worked late hours, even on weekends, I waited for her in the waiting section of uncle Krishna’s office, weighing myself in the weighing machine. Fascinated by the drawings of a human brain and the acronyms, I would just substitute the big fancy words with my own. OCD always meant Obsessive Chocolate disorder and Schiz..Schizoph..Schizophrenia simply meant a bar of snickers. My strong inclination towards chocolates always had me comparing things to sweeter objects. And even now, a couple of pieces of Gems can calm my nerves as if nothing ever happened. And maybe that is why when my mother offered me a glass of water and some multi-colored gems. With the taste of Gems in my mouth, I feel at ease, even after a rough night, even though the ghastly man still floats outside my window.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 140 STORIES

Silhouette

It was a moonless night. But that made her favorite pasta casserole. Jane loved the stars look even more beautiful. Jane the taste of burnt cheese but only on could see them through the window on her mum’s pasta. Dad had been going the other side of the room. She always on and on about how much he hated a saw a few more stars on such nights certain colleague’s moustache at work and she loved the extras. She liked their and about how he would have done it company and would have a hard time differently if he had “that thick hair.” But sleeping on a cloudy night. for Jane, her dad’s mustache was the Saif Md best. He would always let her play with it That wasn’t always the case. Her father while he told her stories before she went was the kindest man she’d ever known. to sleep. She could still feel his presence beside her bed on the small table where a She woke up with a jolt when she heard lamp and her phone now rested. He a loud scream that night. It was her would have the choicest stories to mother. The next thing she knew, there tell her every single night. Could all were police officers all over the house, dads do that? Her’s had to be special, looking for something that she couldn’t she thought as she lay there, her blue figure out. Her mother kept hugging blanket with little grey flowers wrapped her and telling her everything would be Dad had been around her like a caterpillar in its alright. She didn’t like it even a bit. Her cocoon. She’d wrap it up around herself going on and to a point where she’d start suffocating a little. She’d then proceed to find the on about perfect spot to make a mini crevasse just how much he enough to let some air through and to hated a certain give her the view of the window. colleague’s Jane had almost fallen asleep when she had a feeling that someone may be moustache at watching her. As soon as she opened her eyes, she thought she saw something work and about that made her hair stand on end. Was how he would that a silhouette of a man? She could barely make out any details. She blinked. have done it But every time she blinked, it appeared differently if he clearer to her. On one corner of the window, there was a darkish figure had “that thick standing really still.

hair.” But for Jane still remembered the night her Jane, her dad’s dad came home for the last time. The day had been fine and sunny, the kind mustache was that makes you feel like nothing could the best. go wrong. For dinner, mum had made

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS STORIES 141

Suddenly, the sound of a breaking window startled her. She could swear that it came from the living room downstairs. She had forgotten all about the face she’d thought she’d seen. It must be the same man.

tears were all over Jane’s face too “He’d have been alright if he’d not stairs. Jane now had pearls of and for some reason, they didn’t put up a fight,” said Mr. Burns from perspiration forming on the tip of allow her to go outside her room. the house across the road. her nose. She suddenly realized that the blanket had become much “Where’s dad?” Jane kept asking What fight? Where’s dad? warmer. The little crevasse wasn’t but she only received sobs for He didn’t come home that night. helping. She dared not move. Jane answer. She attended his funeral the next heard the man enter her mother’s room. Mum was a deep sleeper The dark figure had disappeared day. and she never locked her door so from the window. She could see That was four years ago. She that Jane could come to her if she the stars again. But for some vaguely remembered the last had nightmares. The man went reason, she kept hearing eerie story she’d heard from her dad. through the drawers in mum’s noises now and then. She wanted It was about a hunchback, from room. Did he find anything? He it to stop. the city of Notredame. However, must have. Jane heard him stuffing she couldn’t remember the Her mother put her to sleep again her mother’s jewellery boxes details. Only that he was hated by that night and the next morning, into a bag. With every passing everyone. Jane saw people with big yellow second, Jane was feeling like she jumpsuits come in. She still didn’t Suddenly, the sound of a breaking was stuck in furnace with an ever know where her dad was. window startled her. She could raging fire underneath. She knew swear that it came from the the man would come to her room living room downstairs. She had eventually. She heard the man forgotten all about the face she’d walking across the hallway and thought she’d seen. It must be the finally she heard her door creak. same man. She had been looking the other way and couldn’t see anything. The air was as still as a glass of The man walked over to her table water on the table beside her hair on the other side of the room and and she could hear blood gushing picked up her Macbook. And now through her arteries into her head. he was moving towards her bed.

She followed the footsteps in her Jane could hear the soft carpet mind as they went around the crumple under the man’s feet. living room downstairs. Whoever It felt as if a big, fluffy monster it was, was not making any effort with miniscule razor sharp teeth to keep it low. The man went to was snapping its jaws. The man the kitchen counter and helped stood right next to her bed. himself to some food in the His breathing was short and fridge. Jane heard the ceramic controlled. She felt a bead of sweat bowls clinking against the kitchen mix with a drop of tear in the counter. He’s just a tramp. He’ll go corner of her eye. And she heard away, she thought. the grizzliest voice she’d ever heard. Five minutes later, she could hear him climbing the wooden “I know you’re awake.”

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 142

Alumni Section

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS 143

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 144 ALUMNI

4 THINGS EVERY STUDENT should do before GRADUATING

I think that studying in college is like a park of communication, it’s like a community which leads to greater opportunities for personal and professional development. But if you are looking just for the technical skills, you can get through a training institute or even online. Colleges offer much more. Four years can be a life changing journey and a bucket full of memories and experience.

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS ALUMNI 145

ocus on your Goal setting: your field of study. YouTube, code academy, EDX, Coursera have been I think the best way to start your my go-to platforms for amazing free undergraduate journey is by setting lessons. Platforms like Treehouse, goals properly to stay focused and Udemy, Khan Academy, Lynda are to increase your performance. Most not free but provide a lot valuable students don’t set goals in their content for a very low cost. college life and I believe they’re F doing themselves a huge disservice. Here are some professional Setting goals will only help to development tips for college accomplish more. We all want to students: be successful but sadly only few of us do, due to lack of proper goal I) Understand what you need to setting. develop. One way you can take ownership of your own development Think of goal-setting like drawing a is to follow the people that you map. The more the detail, the better look up to. Build your skills through the navigation. Choose short term research and be intentional with goals that aid your mission, and your learning. write everything that comes to your mind. Set SMART goals by being II) Get out of your comfort zone. specific about the achievability and As a college student, many of us time-based measurability of your are afraid to stray from what is goals and your individual progress. comfortable to us, but you only get You must be passionate towards the better with the new practice and work to keep moving forward. experience. I want to suggest college students to involve more in real Focus on Personal Development: projects as an intern and in some of the volunteering projects. This helps As a college student, your number to enhance your skills as well as your one priority is to learn. But your network. learning should not be limited to classes, grades, and parties. College Focus on Network building: won’t teach you everything. As an undergraduate student, I got good As college students, thinking about grades, but never got involved the real world is quite intimidating. elsewhere. While others experienced The connections which you college at its fullest, I chose the establish in college can help you viewer’s seat. After graduation, I get into interviews, internships, found myself clueless while other and jobs. They can also help in students were working in a good recommendations and referrals, company. launch your own business, start a side hustle and get career support So, you have to enter into the and advice. professional world with some values and beliefs about yourself. When you Here is some advice to grow your are in college you are experimenting. network during your bachelor So, don’t be afraid to learn new degree: things. Find the passion that drives I) Join a College Club: College is a Amit Bhattarai you. You shall not hesitate to take whole new world, and it’s all about trainings and courses that aid exploring your interests. You get to

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 146 ALUMNI

decide which club to join, or even start IV) Get Connected with your college: College is all your own club yourself. What sparks College is the first place to start your about having your interest? IT, Sports, music, dance, networking. Get to know your professor/ arts, social works? Whatever it is, there staffs beyond the lecture time, they can be fun. Being so is probably a related club. So, go explore a source of advice, reference and insight. your passion. They have lots of experience and we can young with the learn from their career paths. If you are responsibilities II) Attend your related events: Nowadays, interested in human resource, then get different organizations are organizing advice from career service staffs. If you of a student is different events which are related to tech, are interested in event management, then probably the entrepreneurship, time management, connect with program director. seminars, and workshops. There are easiest part of various organizations like Microsoft Focus on having fun: innovation center Nepal, who are focusing College is all about having fun. Being so our life even if on technology and entrepreneurship young with the responsibilities of a student programs, Nepal Management Symposium some have part is probably the easiest part of our life organized by KCM College, ICT meetups by even if some have part time job. We are time job. We Prime IT Club and so on. Try to participate neither kids nor adults. You can also find more in these types of events. are neither kids your special one and college can be the nor adults. You III) Online Presence: These days employee surprisingly romantic place. can also find will look you up on Google, LinkedIn, and Try to attend every program like other social networks. So, be strategic with Celebrations, Sporting Events, College your special your online presence. Make your social Rituals etc. These programs will help you one and college media content and images professional. to meet the other students, interact with Update your activity in your social media them and make more friends. And don’t can be the whether it is volunteer work or the other forget to plan for hanging out with friends hobbies and activities that reflect your for movie, party, picnic, hiking, tours surprisingly skills and interests. Set Up your profile during weekends which can add more romantic place. with appropriate information. value in your fun part.

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS ALUMNI 147

Love me

Love me, when I’m strong Love me, when I’m weak Love me, when I’m understanding Love me even if I’m difficult Sudin Shakya A-levels (2009 Batch) Love me, when I’m outgoing And even when I’m lazy Love me, when I say I Love You Love me, when I don’t Love me, when I’m with you Love me even when I feel lonely Love me, when I pull you closer And even if I push you away Love me, when I break my walls for you Love me, when I retreat in my shell Love me, from day one Love me even after a lifetime Love me, when I’m young And even when I'm full of wrinkles Love me, when I share my pain Love me, when I shut you out Love me, when I smile Love me, even if I snort Love me, when I cuddle And even, when I’m far away Love me, when I’m loving Love me, when I’m furious Love me, when I act mature Love me, when I’m childish Love me, when I surprise you And even, when I forget to Love me, when I make time for you Love me, when you can’t see me for days Love me, when I hold your hands Love me even if there is a third wheel Love me, when I keep my promises And even when I can’t.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 148 ALUMNI

FUTILITY

Samin Rijal Class of 2014, BASW

Rising above the deepest lesion that has scratched the soul, the bird flaps its wings , embracing the hard achieved liberty; unaware of its feet tied strappingly to the cage it was released from. Thinking about the most awaited dream blending into the reality, the bird flaps its wings singing the songs of the freedom. Blaming itself for forgetting to fly, the bird tries harder and harder. 'Oh wow! Finally you are free now', encourages the tired wings to flutter. The passing breezes dare the bird to conquer the sky, as it is the only wish that has travelled the incessant miles. But the songs of freedom gradually turn into a fearful trill, suffocating the rejoice at the lump of the throat. The wings are splintered and wretched and shattered, for the reason that the poor bird has been chasing the destination at nowhere. Slowly the reality unwraps itself through the corner of its eyes, finally the poor bird realizes that the land kissing the sky is just an illusion at the horizon, and screaming silently, the bird returns to the cage…..

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS ALUMNI 149

ARDENT

ike every teenager, I was it was and is the right decision. over the moon with the From the amazing academic Lcompletion of my high faculty members to irreplaceable school ventures. Amidst the flow friends; the well organized non- of ideas from every branch of teaching staffs to the everyday my kinship about my next career chaos; I would not substitute decision, I had plans about any of those for anything else. European education. Against the From the basketball matches to growing trend, I stayed here in the dance practices; from the Nepal. Everything allowed me picnics to the celebrations of to leave the country except my college culture (Freshers Day and emotional side. It must sound Graduation Night to highlight weird for the people who know a few) program; I couldn’t ask Ashish Oli me via Thames. But my heart for anything more. My college didn’t allow me to leave. My years feel complete and full of emotional side was not ready to memories. leave my home and my family. For the majority of the upcoming I have no regrets over my generation, being emotional is emotional side heavily affecting a taboo. Going against parents’ the decisions of my life. And even decisions is considered cool. today, I wouldn’t think twice Living separate from family before taking another emotional is mistaken for freedom. And decision. spending time with family is not even considered when With every idea, I felt a heavy other jobs await. I don’t blame pull back down to Earth. My anyone, maybe they’re just part free-living nature enveloped of an evolved culture. It maybe such ideas and I wasn’t a phase-the hormones or even influenced with anything other peer pressure. My personal than myself. I was determined to choose as per my will and I did From my personal perspective perspective and that with Thames International and experience, being experience, being College. BIM at Thames was emotionally attached to your my ideal choice considering all home and family can give emotionally the qualities of a fun and well immense satisfaction. Kudos rounded college education. to the people supporting my attached to your thoughts, but the ones who don’t To be honest, I did not know I suggest you give it a try and home and family why I chose Thames and I still spend quality time with your can give immense don’t. But one thing I know is, my family. You will feel at home and subconscious was convinced that you will feel the difference. satisfaction.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 150 ALUMNI

COFFEE TALES

Sajak Shrestha

ometimes I want to fall off the tallest I could pray is not to hit the ground now. building and feel what it feels to be All I could wish is, I don’t fall splattered. Or Sfallen. The seven-storied building scattered. Or dead. fall- a free fall. Free fall where thoughts slowly fade away. Where your emotions The place I am sitting right now is orange and feelings disappear as you fall straight with pictures of coffee beans and leaves. down. I wonder what it feels like to feel There are couches that look comfortable. nothing but fear of being struck down to The entire interior is nice as it seems. I the concrete hard, to the concrete so cold. came here with a friend back around 4 To have the feeling for just four seconds years ago. I was young. At that moment and then have nothing inside you anymore. this place looked so energetic and so lively. How would it feel like? I wonder when you We would come here and sit for hours. fall with that intensity, would your feelings Drink variety of coffees and sometimes and unsorted emotions still exist inside, get high with the caffeine. We carved blink would you still care to think of things that on the table as Blink 182 was our favorite you thought caused you hell. Maybe no! band. We cared very less of how the Maybe at that point all you would care color of the wall looked or how comfy the about is how things would end. Splattered! couches we sat on were. At that moment, Scattered! Dead! everything was instant. If we wanted to drink we would drink it, if we wanted to go I am sitting here with a cold coffee, with we would just leave. We had less to worry. nobody beside me, in front of me, with We cared less. nobody talking to me or hearing me. I have an earphone in my ear, only to pretend My friend went abroad few years ago. I that I am enjoying myself. My coffee tastes visited less to this place because I feared of bitter; with almost four spoons of sugar, being alone, as I am feeling today. the bitterness still exists. Besides my But, I started coming here again, when table, there are people talking with other I had a girlfriend. The café was still people. Behind my table, someone I know orange, but more than anything, this dearly sits, with her dear now. I wonder place looked so romantic. The couch how often things like this happen. All I was so comfortable. The dim lights can think now is this tiny feeling inside of were perfection for us. It portrayed the me, which has excluded, kicked almost all cozy cuddling light while we sat there - other feelings. Maybe this is what it feels cuddling, holding hands, giggling, kissing like to fall down from a building. From and talking for hours. I knew how the a place where there were rainbows and coffee exactly tasted at that moment. butterflies and where I would fall to the pit Before it was just a moment of drink, it was so cold, dark and hard. Maybe this is what just a back then. But at that moment, falling freely feels like, only with a little bit coffee I exactly knew how the coffee tasted. of feelings still existing inside you. And, all Warm and then perfected by her, two

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS ALUMNI 151

spoons-still bitter, four Sometimes I wish spoons okay now. Orangy You would still taste my coffee walls would bind us, plain And complain how bitter it tastes. mugs would be a wall Like good old days. where we would decorate what we had. Dim lights Love were enough for us to see feels alone each other, to read one Without You. another. We wished for nothing more. Everything Terribly. was perfect, lovely and all Despite of four spoons of sugar that we wanted. Our dreams and future were carved. This coffee still tastes bitter. We wished for nothing more, except for all the love My table is messed up that we shared, we wished for little more each time Full of cigarette buds we met, we kissed, we cuddled and we laughed. And incomplete letters. We broke up about few months ago. Those were meant for you But those were never sent. Now, I am sitting here alone. Orange is orange to me now. Dim Light is just a dim light. I can still see the Across the corner ‘blink’ which we carved. Reminds of how insensible Despite of all the darkness we were. I can see the couches, where we laid and I can still see you, cuddled. Reminds of how comfortable this used to In a silhouette figure. be. No matter how hard I try, this coffee never seems Despite of the loud volume on my earphone to taste like what I had before. Neither like the time I can still hear you when I tried to get high with the caffeine, nor like Same expressions; same words. the time when she used to taste it and then added the sugar and made my drink. Now I sip around BUT, three spoons myself, and then add the sugar- just But you can’t hear what I am saying, so that it would taste the same. But no, it doesn’t. I wonder what she did that made my coffee perfect. You can't hear my pen scribbling hard on these Maybe it is not the sugar that my coffee needs. papers Maybe, she didn’t add just sugar. You can’t see me, stirring my spoon with sugar over and over again I wonder if I can ever explain the taste of the coffee So that it would still taste the same she made and then explain how it tastes now. I Same like when I had it with you. wonder if I can ever explain the colors of this wall. Maybe it was not the sugar Maybe she knows now. What you added, after you sip it and complain I think I will understand it is okay to be not okay. Maybe it was not the sugar I think it is better if I sit here, observe others and What my cold, black and stranded write what is not to be written. I feel less afraid to Coffee Needed. be alone, in fact, this feels good. Reading oneself, understanding the blueprint of this confusing, Maybe it was-You messed up maze. Feel only what I was unable to feel. Maybe it was -Love Maybe mixture of multiple emotions had made me blind. I think now I can exclude other emotions and In an endless circle then feel it all alone, get to the core and understand. We travel intertwined; Maybe then I would understand the taste of her But never inter-crossed. coffee, the other orange color, the comfy couches, Separated to bites and the warmth of her hands. I just don’t want to But forever together. drop dead. Neither Splattered. Nor Scattered. www.sajakspeaks.wordpress.com

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 152 ALUMNI

Everyone has their own story

Payal Dhakal

he good deeds come with excitement and happiness whereas the bad deeds come with dissatisfaction and Tsorrow. I have all these mixed feelings in my story. I personally believe in "what comes around, goes around”, so everything happens for a reason and best is yet to come. I don’t have any complains with my life. It’s all about learning. From the day of your birth to the day you will leave this world, you are supposed to learn.

The process of learning continues and I believe I am learning more and more, everyday. I have understood that the most valuable lesson is learnt from experience. It is always better to learn things by doing them rather than avoid any learning experience. People often avoid trying new things because of their fear of failure. Life comes with numerous questions and we as humans are in search of answers ‘til the end. Instead of wasting time chasing the answers, I believe we need to consume our time, be productive and use it for some good purpose which might unravel the answers at the right time.

May you bring the smile on someone's face and may you be the reason of someone’s satisfaction. Life is all about learning and collecting bundles of experience.

It is important to collect experience so 10-20-50 years down the line, these experiences bring a smile and not regret.

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS ALUMNI 153

I am no one

Probing for presence I am a voracious dog Looking for a piece of bone I am a societal animal But love my life alone Parikshan Dhakal Handful of folks Whom I talk to My fingers are more Than my company The failed ones illustrate Me as a disaster To gratify their grade And be pleased And I am the lone Whom one and all discount The best company I get Is just me When I see a figure Looking for me It would be just a mirror I feel like a minion And a sole wanderer Without a last stop Just rambling aimlessly For there is a pathway And people stroll around

I feel like non Just a flash of light That hides in the following second And that wounded ant Crawling for the existence But is rammed under the sole Of the feet of someone Deceased and identity less

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 154 ALUMNI FOR YOU... Should I consider it luck or is it fate I waited long but at least we are not late I love waking up to your voice Those mornings leave me with a smile on my face Texts, calls, notes, speaks volumes of our love Like we are nothing more than a pair of dove It amazes me how well you accepted my past And how easily you became my present By spending hours with you, planning our future Nasana Bajracharya Smiling every moment, it has become my nature A-Levels (2009 Batch) I love it more when you are the reason You and me would be same, regardless of the season There are miles between us right now But years later, after our happily ever after; we will take a bow Across the oceans and the continents Your hearts takes my name, that I am confident I wonder how it would feel to have our fingers entwined We would lie next to each other like a pair of vine Your smiles and tears now belong to me And I belong to you, with everything I can be Even though you are not here, all I need is to close my eyes There will be a time, when there would be no more goodbyes You are answer to every single one of my query And the only one who can lift me up when I’m weary It's as rare as catching a lightning Since I have found you, I realized clouds do have silver lining We live in two different time zone But our nights and days have become one I wait for the day when you will hold me And dance in our own tune ever so slowly You have filled me with all your love and hope You are that five stars in my horoscope Our world has been fit into a 14-inch screen Our lists of best friends now also include caffeine Fights and arguments don’t change our love We only come out stronger, a level above Can’t wait for the day I can see you next Anything with you, would only be the best Come running to me, as soon as you can I will be in your arms in a year, if everything goes like our plan The longer I wait for you, the deeper my love gets If it's for you, I will hold no regrets.

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS ALUMNI 155

It’s hard to pass a day Void in But a year goes by so quickly It’s hard to smile But tears dry so quickly my heart Memories of you come But even that I ignore quickly Without you It’s lost But it’s been that way for years I wait for you every night But It’s been disappointed for years I talk and laugh so loud But I have not genuinely, for years Your name gets stuck in my throat But my heart takes it everyday I feel like a zombie But get through my life everyday I get up to feel different But end up feeling the same everyday I question myself, have I forgotten you But your face appears every night I want to sleep normal But end up an insomniac every night I can’t share your story But it plays in my mind every night Friends know my story But we don’t discuss it every time Someone opens the topic But hurriedly change it every time You taught me to be independent But never to live without you Asun Bajracharya You taught me to be happy But not how without you.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 156 ALUMNI

g]kfnL /fhgLltdf o'jfsf] pkl:ylt

d of] n]v n]Vb} u/]sf] o'jf klxnf] k6s :yfgLo lgjf{rgdf dt—clwsf/ k|of]u ug{ pT;flxt 5' . xfn ! s/f]8 $) nfv %$ xhf/ $ ;o *@ dtbftf ;FVof /x]sf] g]kfndf em08} @ bzskl5 x'g nfu]sf] lgjf{rg @ r/0fdf ;DkGg wd{/fh l3ld/], x'g uO/xFbf klxnf] r/0f ;DkGg eO;s]sf] 5 / d k|b]z g+ % sf] t/fO{df dxf;lrj, o'jf dtbftf gfdfjnL ePsf] o'jf b]zsf] /fhgLlts cGof]ntfsf sf/0f cem} klg ef]6 xfNg kfpF5' ls kfpFlbg eg]/ lrlGtt 5' . d hlt w]/} cGof]ndf 5', Tolt g} w]/} cfˆgf] dtflwsf/ k|of]u u/]/ cfˆgf] :yfgLo k|ltlglw r'Gg cft'/ klg 5' lsgeg] d cfˆgf] dtflwsf/sf] dxTTj / Pp6f gful/ssf] /fi6«k|ltsf] bfloTj af/] /fd|} hfgsf/ 5' . d h:tf nfvf}F o'jfx?n] o; k6ssf] lgjf{rgdf dtbfg ug{ kfpg] o'jfdf hf];, hfFu/, cj;/nfO{ e/k'/ ;b'kof]u ub}{ ljsf;k|]dL ;Ifd / lgi7fjfg hgk|ltlglw r'Gg] s'/fdf xlif{t 5g\ . b]zsf] /fhgLlts cl:y/tf, 36\bf] cfly{s b/, ;':t ljsf;, pT;fx / s]xL u/f}F l;ksf] cefj, ul/aL, a]/f]huf/L / afWofTds knfogtfaf6 5'6sf/f lbFb} gf}nf] eGg] efjgf x'G5 . cfofd Nofpg] lgjf{rgsf] ?kdf of] lgjf{rgdf lnOPsf] 5 . s]xL b[i6fGtn] o'jfx? @)%$ ;fndf hGd]sf] afns clxn] @) jif]{ o'jf ag]sf] 5 . Tolt a]nf :yfgLo zf/Ll/s / dfgl;s lgsfodf lgjf{lrt hgk|ltlglwx? clxn] $% b]lv ^) jif{ gf3]sf 5g\ . of] pd]/ sf] cGt/fndf g]kfnL /fhgLltdf w]/} kl/jt{g ePsf] 5 . g]kfnsf x/]s lx;fan] klg o'jf /fhgLlts tyf ;fdflhs kl/jt{gdf alnbfgLk"0f{ ;ª\3if{ ug]{ o'jfx? g} x'g\ . pd]/d} 7"nf] kl5Nnf] ;do g]kfnL o'jfx?df /fhgLlt k|ltsf] ljt[i0ffn] h/f] uf8]/ a;]sf] 5f}. s]xL ;/sf/L SofDk; / ljZjljBfnodf cWoog ug]{ o'jf ljBfyL{ afx]s cGo lhDd]jf/L axg ug{ o'jfx? /fhgLlt eGg] zAbk|lt gsf/fTds ;f]Fr /fV5g\ . cem} ;x/L If]qdf ;S5g\ eg] a;f]af; ug]{ / lghL ljBfno tyf SofDk;df cWoog ug]{ o'jf ljBfyL{x? t /fhgLlt eGg] zAbnfO{ efO/;sf] ?kdf g} x]5{g h;n] b]znfO{ l;Wofof] eGg] k|dfl0ft eO;s]sf] ;f]Fr dfg;k6ndf u8]/ a;]sf] 5 . of] zAb ;'Gbfdfq} klg b]lv $ sf]; 6f9f 5 . sfn{ dfS;{n] #) efUg vf]H5g\ . t/ of] /fhgLlt eGg] zAb To:tf] zAb xf] h;af6 sf]xL klg c5'tf] /xg ;Sb}g, sf]xL klg efUg ;Sb}g . hfgL–ghfgL x/]s JolStn] /fhgLlt jif{s} pd]/df ;g\ cFufln/x]sf] x'G5, a;\ x]g]{ ghl/of dfq} km/s x'G5 . /fhgLlt zAb To:tf] kmf]xf]/ !*$* df cGt/f{li6«o / 3[0ff ug]{ zAb xf]Og . olt k|ultzLn zAb t d}n] clxn];Dd ;'g]s} 5}g . ;/n efiffdf eGg' kbf{ /fhgLlt eg]sf] zlSt xf], ;fdYo{ xf] . of] cfkm}df ;fdfGo zAb sDo'lg:6 3f]if0ffkq xf], o;nfO{ k|of]u ug]{ tl/sf / k|rngn] dfq o;nfO{ c;fdfGo t'NofPsf] xf] . tof/ u/]sf lyP . olt dxTTjk"0f{ zAbnfO{ 3[0ff ug]{ / o'jf k':tf dfem lgisn+s t'Nofpg] sfo{ sf]

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS ALUMNI 157

af6, sxFf, s;/L / lsg eof] eGg] k|Zgsf] pTt/ af]gfkf6{ ljZj ljhosf nflu cl3 a9\g] 3f]if0ff ubf{ g]kfnsf] /fhgLlts cl:y/tf, /fhgLlts bn / !( jif{ 6]Sb} lyP, cNa6{ cfOG:6fOgn] @$ jif{eGbf /fhgLltnfO{ k];f agfP/ lxF8\g] /fhgLlts bnsf sd pd]/d} ;fk]Iftfjfbsf] l;4fGt k|ltkfbg u/], @% g]tfx?af6} dfUg' kg]{ x'G5 . jif{eGbf sd pd]/d} u[xTofu ug]{ uf}td a'4 ljZj k|l;4 zflGtb"t ag], k|hftGqsf] nflu alnbfg lbg] /fhgLlt /fHosf] cleGg c+u xf] / o'jfx? To;sf z's|/fh, bz/y rGb, u+ufnfn / wd{eSt dfy]dfb]lv ;Dafxs x'g\ eGg] s'/f s;}n] klg e'Ng' xF'b}g . cfhsf km];a's cfljisf/s dfs{ h'sa{u, oL ;a} b]zsf] d'xf/ km]g{ o'jfx? /fhgLltdf nfUg'k5{ o'jf g]t[Tj / Ifdtfsf pbfx/0f x'g\ . eGg]x? sd}dfq e]l6G5g\ . /fhgLltaf6 6f9f ePsf o'jfx? la:tf/} g}lts d"No / dfGotfdf sdhf]/ xF'b} xf] xfdL o'jfdf kF'hL, plrt 1fg / ;Lksf] cefj uPsf] kfOG5 . o'jfx?nfO{ ;w}F /fhgLlts bnx?n] ePsf] s'/f gsfg{ ;lsFb}g t/ klg g]kfnL kf6L{sf] cf}hf/sf ?kdf k|of]u u/] . x/]s cfGbf]ng / /fhgLltdf o'jfn] hxfF–hxfF g]t[Tjsf] cj;/ kfPsf /fhgLlts ;+u7gdf sl7g sfo{sf nflu o'jf 5g\, ToxfF–ToxfF pgLx?n] sfo{z}nL / Jojxf/df hdftnfO{ cufl8 a9fpg] rng JofKt 5 . o;/L kl/jt{g u/]sf 5g\ . ;+;f/ cfh @!cf}F ztfAbLdf o'jfx? x/]s ;fdflhs / /fhgLlts kl/jt{gdf cl3 al9/xFbf l5d]sL ef/t / rLgn] plrt vfnsf ;l/s eO/xFbf klg clxn];Dd /fi6«sf] lg0f{o lng] 1fg / ;Lkdfkm{t o'jfnfO{ kl/rfng k|ls|of / lgsfodf kx'Fr k'Ug ;s]sf] 5}g . ub}{ ljsf;df km8\sf] dfl//x]sf] ;dodf xfdL eg] k/Dk/fjfbL lzIff cfh{gd} l;ldt x'g' lj8Dagf g]kfndf $)% eGbf a9L hg;+Vof o'jf cj:yfdf xf] . g]kfndf Psflt/ o'jfnfO{ nlIft ul/ /fli6«o 5 To;}n] klg g]kfnL /fhgLltdf o'jf g]t[Tj :yflkt o'jf gLlt, /fli6«o o'jf kl/ifb\ u7g, o'y lehg ug]{, cfw'lgs lzIff, lj1fg, ;"rgf tyf k|ljlw / @)@%, z}lIfs k|df0fkq lwtf] /fv]/ C0f lng kfOg] af}l4s o'jf hdftnfO{ g]kfnL /fhgLltk|lt Joj:yf, cfly{s cj:yf sdhf]/ ePsf o'jfnfO{ o'jf ;sf/fTds / pT;fxL agfpgsf nflu ;'gf}nf] :j/f]huf/ sf]ifaf6 lglZrt /sd lbg ;lsg] cj;/sf ?kdf :yfgLo tx lgjf{rg pkl:yt Joj:yf nufotsf pknlAw ;+:yfut e};s]sf 5g\ ePsf] 5 . t/ lj8Dagfsf] s'/f t s] 5 eg] klxnf] eg] csf]{lt/ g]kfnsf] /fli6«o ;d:of gLlt tyf r/0fsf] lgjf{rgdf /fhgLlts bnx?n] of] cj;/ sfo{s|d sfof{Gjogsf] cefj tyf ;"rgf, l;k / nfO{ o'jf g]t[Tj ljsf;sf] ?kdf :yflkt ug{ r's]sf] cj;/sf] sdLn] ubf{ jif]{gL nfvf}F o'jfx?>dsf] nflu b]lvG5 . lhDd]jf/L / cj;/n] g} g]t[Tj :yflkt x'g] ljb]z hfg afWo x'G5g\ eGg] s'/f ;jf{ljlbt g} 5 . xf] t/ xfn} ;DkGg lgjf{rgdf s]xL 7fpFx?df afx]s o'jfx?k|lt Tolt ljZjf; / hfP/ ePsf] of] lgjf{rgn] g]kfnsf /fhgLlts bnx?nfO{ b]lvPg . yf]/} 7fpFx?df dfq} o'jf pDd]åf/nfO{ g]kfndf o'jf g]t[Tj :yflkt ug]{ / g]kfnL kf6L{x?n] cufl8 ;f/]sf 5g\ . o;k6ssf] lgjf{rgdf /fhgLltdf :yflkt ug]{ ;'gf}nf] cj;/ k|fKt ePsf] lkHhfsf] :jfb lng rfx]sf g]kfnL dtbftfnfO{ 5 . :yfgLo 1fg, ;Lk / Ifdtf;Fu} cfw'lgs ljsf; km]l/ pxL k'/fgf] ;'Svf /f]6L k:s]sf 5g\ /fhgLlts k|0ffnL af/]sf] 1fgsf] ;ld>0fn] g]kfnsf] ljsf; kf6L{x?n] . cfofdnfO{ cem z'''4 kfg]{ lhDdf o'jfx?nfO{ lbg' cfjZos 5 . ca klg o'jfx? ;xL /fhgLlt ga'e]m, o'jfdf hf];, hfFu/, pT;fx / s]xL u/f}F eGg] efjgf rf;f] g/fv] / ;xL /fhgLltdf gnfUg] xf] eg] b]zsf] x'G5 . s]xL b[i6fGtn] o'jfx? zf/Ll/s / dfgl;s eljio cGwsf/ x'G5 . /fhgLltnfO{ /fi6«gLlt lx;fan] klg o'jf pd]/d} 7"nf] lhDd]jf/L axg ug{ agfpg, ;]jf ug]{ /fhgLlts ;+:sf/sf] cleofg ;S5g\ eg] k|dfl0ft eO;s]sf] 5 . sfn{ dfS;{n] #) yfNg, /fhgLltk|ltsf] o'jf cfs|f]znfO{ cfsif{0fdf jif{s} pd]/df ;g\ !*$* df cGt/f{li6«o sDo'lg:6 abNg / /fi6«nfO{ cfzfltt k|ultkwdf lxF8fpg 3f]if0ffkq tof/ u/]sf lyP . pgsf ;xof]uL k|m]8]l/s o'jfx? /fhgLlts ultljlwdf ;ls|o x'g' h?/L 5 . P+u]N; Tolt a]nf !* jif{sf] dfq lyP . g]kf]lnog

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 158 ALUMNI

The High Pass: ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK “Of the gladdest moments in human life, methinks, is the departure upon a distant journey into unknown lands. Shaking off with one mighty effort the fetters of Habit, the leaden weight of Routine, the cloak of many Cares and the slavery of Civilization, man feels once more happy.” - Sir Richard Francis Burton

amous American explorer and sea level between the Annapurna geographer quoted this after and Damodar Himal. This trek Felevating 5416 meters above offers the glorious sights of the the sea level. He’d completed one of Annapurna, the mesmerizing view the most adventurous and scariest of Tilicho Lake, Manang Valley, journeys of the Annapurna region Gangapurna Glacier and the lesser through Manang and Mustang. known Ice Lake. Variation of landscape and vegetation make this October 2016- Six of my college trek an amazing viewers experience Bikram Karki friends joined me on the Annapurna while the ever looming danger Circuit trek. We were aiming to across the landslide trails triggers conclude our college years with an your adrenaline. adventurous journey around the Himalayas. A week-long trek of the Our lack of planning did not stop Annapurna Circuit includes 300km us from enjoying this journey while of journey by foot. While crossing making memories for a lifetime. We Nepal’s highest lake, Tilicho (4,919 kicked-off from Kathmandu and m), we were planning to cross the headed towards the headquarters highest mountain pass in the world, of Lamjung district, Besishahar. A Thorong-la. Thorong-La pass six hour long drive from Kathmandu elevates upto 5,416 meters above set us up for the bumpy jeep ride

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS ALUMNI 159

of about 65 kms to cross districts from Lamjung to Our trek ended at Nagwal, a beautiful village at the Manang. We reached Chame, the headquarters of lap Annapurna, just passing Upper Pisang village of Manang, traveling through one of my scariest off- the diverse Lama residence. road experiences. Numerous water-falls heading towards Marsyangdi River and paths that merely Day 2: From Nagwal to Manang Valley, the crown qualified as motor-roads was the highlight from jewel of Manang district. There lies the beautiful the backseats of Mahindra Bolero. Gangapurna glacier and Gangapurna lake in its lap. On this day we passed through the Bhraka valley, After 10 hours of jeep ride, we reached Chame. gateway to the Ice Lake, and spent the night in the Fortunately, Chame has a natural hot spring which colorful valley of Manang. is very helpful for the pain of the bumpy ride. Day 3: We left Manang early in the morning with Day 1: We started trekking from Chame along with intentions of reaching Tilicho base camp by noon. fellow travellers from various parts of the globe. This path is the home to the famous landslide trails

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 160 ALUMNI

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS ALUMNI 161

in the noon. After 4 hours of highest mountain pass in the walk we reached the banks of world. The day of glory as we Tilicho to witness the amazing crossed the Pass early in the waters that rested there. Few morning at 9AM, some people of our friends fell victim to in Kathmandu are not even up the high altitude and were from bed at that hour. Due to immediately sent back to the strong winds, we had to leave Basecamp. Some of us stayed the Pass early. We rushed and explored around the lake down towards Muktinath, the for few hours and returned to temple of salvation. We spent the Basecamp. some quality time around Muktinath and booked a hotel We planned to rest there for nearby to spend the night the night but with the huge flow of tourists the chances of Then on next day we getting accommodations on started our journey back to the way to the Thorong-La is Kathmandu. From Muktinath very low. So we started walking to Beni, and ultimately back to towards Yak Kharka, Manang. the Capital we came back with After 12 hours of walking, we our heads full of memories to of Manang with the ever-present reached a small restaurant on cherish and reminisce for the danger of falling stones, dust the bank of Marshyangdi river. rest of our lives. and slips. We reached the Tilicho We decided to spend the night Basecamp, by 2PM, and had a in the same restaurant. Nowadays, every difficult choice between two hotels to rest situation I tackle in my life at for the night. We chose the one Day 5: From that restaurant, reminds me about the trails that looked larger. we walked towards Thorong- of this fantastic journey. I’ve Phedi and rested there as it is realized that difficult roads Day 4: Our fourth day started not safe to walk towards the lead to beautiful destinations. off at 3AM in the morning. We pass after noon. Thorong- I would like to thank my tightened our shoelaces to Phedi is the nearest resting friends for making this head towards one of the world’s point from the Thorong-La difficult journey so easier highest navigable lakes, Tilicho. Pass. and memorable through their It is important to reach the lake endless love, care and support. early in order to avoid the harsh Day 6: This was the happiest winds of the Annapurna region day of my life as we passed the Thank You !

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 162 ALUMNI

What's next?

ver the next few months, My decision to take a year off was many of you will enter the not considered as a good idea by Ofinal semester of college. my relatives. I was met with the Nervous and excited, the question cliche “you’re just wasting your "What Next?" will soon appear in time!” People thought I would just your mind as the semester comes sit around all day and not utilize my to a close. Am I moving on to time effectively. However, by the mid university? Should I just start a job of my final semester, I had figured and get work experience? Should out what I wanted to do during the Shreya Upadhyay I take a gap year? The fear comes year off. I started looking into fields Co-founder, Canopy Nepal naturally because this nervousness and majors that I could pursue and of what next? for a soon-to-be looked for jobs accordingly. I started graduate can be daunting and with a college credit internship at frustrating. During my final year of Kathmandu International Mountain college, I came to the same terms Film festival, a nonprofit event with the terrifying realization of not management organization that knowing what I wanted to do at the screens films and documentaries end of the year. Unprepared for the from around the world and share rigors of higher education, I decided stories that are never heard before. to take a gap year, an unconventional My 8 months internship there route according to many. allowed me enough space to learn about how NGOs operate in Nepal and about event management companies (as I initially envisioned myself pursuing a career in event management). Working at events was more intense than I expected. It involved enduring long hours, maintaining an upbeat attitude all the time, being at the organizer’s disposal and staying alert at all times. I enjoyed my time at Kimff but I wanted to seek a more challenging learning opportunity. I was always interested in improving the way that learning was exercised to kids. The biggest flaw in our education system is that it incentivizes memorizing above originality. Wanting to challenge this very rot learning approach to education, my "casual" conversation with Mohit

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS ALUMNI 163

and Saif, when I was in the final years of my college, made it possible for us to envision establishing our own organization. With days and months of rigorous planning, Canopy Nepal was born. Through Canopy, we introduced programs to promote interactive classrooms; we created a platform for dialogues and discourse; we started outreach programs to make education accessible to the underprivileged kids; we created a learning hub for individuals to contribute, collaborate and grow their expertise. For the a student. I upped my hours at the pursue. I discovered many new first time in years, I smiled from job, took on some extra work for passions – a passion for improving cheek to cheek because this was Canopy Nepal and tried to focus on education quality in public schools, what I always wanted to do. learning as hands-on as possible. In- passion for teaching children to between these two roles, I realized read, a passion for meeting new A lot was happening at Canopy that working as an employee is an people and establishing relationship Nepal, but with some twist of fate entirely different experience as to and a passion to travel. and right amount of luck, I got in working as an employer. The idea contact with an organization Nepal that learning is continuous, rather Looking back on it, I am glad I chose Orphans Home which landed me a than confined to four walls of an to take a year off. It seems like a job as a communication officer. Even academic box never felt as real massive and uncertain step but in though I was technically “young” as it did when I started working. the grand perspective of things, a for the position, I took the role I enjoyed a life built of diverse year is nothing. So, if you're in your as it merged my past experiences experiences that weren’t tethered to final year of college and unsure from my Internship and was in- one category, like a major. about going to grad school, take a sync with my newfound interest in year gap. I highly encourage it! Ask communications. I was enjoying my For me my year off was more like yourself what you want out of your two roles, one as a co-founder, and a year gain. From the very first year off, and go for it. Ultimately, other as a communication officer. week, my gap year allowed me your gap year will be what you make The balance of two jobs meant I was to experience the "real world", or of it. Before you know it, you’ll be constantly learning, and had a much perhaps the opportunity to explore refreshed and ready to tackle the more hectic schedule than I did as my interests and what career to next adventure.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 164 ALUMNI

The 4 years journey at Thames

oining the BBA program of Thames from the speaker. Although I had lot has been one of the most wonderful of curiosity, I was very afraid to raise Tsering Sherpa Jjourneys of my life. The family some questions but the fear ended after environment at Thames is the best thing attending various programs that boosted as it inspires every student to be creative my confidence. and have freedom to express. In the year 2015, I was selected as the In the past 4 years, I’ve experienced Member of United States Embassy tremendous personal and professional Youth Council Nepal. Being selected in growth. By attending numerous the USYC was another turn of my life. I seminars, workshops, conferences and wasn’t expecting that the group would Every different social programs, I have expanded my be full of professional people and after exposure made value in the community and the country. the orientation I was quite surprised that I have not only been able to learn new I was already connected to a huge group me realize the things but been able to harness and of professionals from the organization. develop my confidence level, leadership importance This was totally beyond my expectation ability, networking and communications level. I did attend most of the programs of the level skill along with many others. organized by USYC and US Embassy. I of knowledge At the first orientation of the college really had a good time learning from all and my life. I and the various clubs, I was really the senior Members. excited to be the part of each and every understood Every different exposure made me organizations. I joined the management realize the importance of the level of that life is full of club and Rotaract Club. My first good knowledge and my life. I understood experience was going to Orissa, Rourkela struggle. We have that life is full of struggle. We have lots to participate in the International of projections in our mind, but I realized lots of projections Student Meet (ISM). that actions are a must. Complaining in our mind, During my fifth semester, I went about things is just an excuse but but I realized to participate in the International taking into action of your learning and Conference held in France along with reflection is a catalyst of change. that actions the team from Thames College. This During the course of my studies, I are a must. was yet another awesome experience still had the confusions about my life that I had during my college life. The Complaining regarding my career path, how it might diversified people and the culture shape up and when was the right time. about things is taught me a huge lesson. Exposures Dreams do not come true if you just are important to excel more in our just an excuse but keep on dreaming. It is hard work and interested areas. taking into action dedication that make things happen and I attended the events from YUWA, We brings change. of your learning Inspire Nepal, Social Clubs, Rotaract I would like to appreciate my father’s Clubs. I rarely missed these events as it and reflection hard work and dedication which has were often held after my classes. I was been an inspiration to me. He has is a catalyst of very interested to attend the programs, served the tourism sector since the age change. seminars, and workshops and to hear

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS ALUMNI 165 of 14. His journey that started off short time period. What we can do and support after few weeks the as a porter and now he is UIAGM is; Great little things. team was mobilized in a proper certified international Mountain manner. We have been working Through my performance during the Guide. His story always gives me effectively to establish the brand 4 years period, my involvement in much needed inspiration. This really name and maintaining the quality of various activities, my initiation in the taught me the lesson of patience, the product. As a startup company, community for several events led me hard work and discipline during the the platform of Cake 9 provided me to be the recipient of the “Thames course of my studies. a huge insight about the startup Leadership Award 2017”. business from the beginning. From From the bottom of my heart I would planning phase till implementation, love to appreciate the leadership Post-Graduation I had the opportunity to learn and abilities and the positivity that my Nepali job market is very explore every minor things. mother taught me. Her journey competitive. Even though the towards education started at the Cake 9 is an online selling business. salary range is not that expected as age of 42 in grade 1 at the women’s It aims at the total customer per the investment in the studies, school. This really made me realize satisfaction by rendering corporate to get the job is a bit challenge about the importance of knowledge cake celebration culture. The goal and competitive too. As per my and the positive learning attitude was to enhance the cake celebration experience, students who are that an individual must have. culture among the people; Moreover, very active during their studies at we want to add values to the life of I was honored as the Sherpa Thames can surely perform well in people through our service. youth of the Year through my all kind of work. The environment of innovation to do something better Thames has been designed in such As a fresh starter, I wanted to lay for my community with Sherpa For a way that the students are capable the first stone, so that I could Change. I learned that when you of performing well in the respective understand the delivery channel do something from your heart the jobs after graduating. After the and the system of the supply chain hard work and your effort will be completion of my program, I thought management. The major factor to appreciated by people. to join an IT company to learn choose Cake 9 is the investment more about the system adaptation capital. To facilitate customers with Many times, we think of doing things and technological updates in good quality about taste, we found just for the sake of someone else. We the market. I joined Bidhee Pvt this market virgin. We came out forget to think about ourselves and Ltd., an IT company. I dream of with this concept in order to provide our own lives. I never think of being innovating my own products for the quality cakes along with customer famous, I just try to do my best to market. So, I’m preparing myself by convenience. In the initial phase, make my parents happy and proud.. studying the dynamic technology we came out with huge strategies I just have one thing in my mind, and overall business environment but then we started implementing that I have to be the creator of from a professional perspective. it on the hit and trial model. Many several different opportunities. If I After joining the company I really of the strategies went as per the don’t do, then I should not complain got insight about the current expectation whereas few of them and point to others. When I entered technological updates. I was also were beyond our expectation. Thames, I was totally blank and made aware with various systems The social media marketing, B2B required lots of guidance. that is essential in business and Retailer and B2B corporate dealing other corporations. really taught me a huge lesson. The I feel that Thames has been able to future projection, sales projection, plant that seed that pushes students While I was involved in Bidhee Pvt event wise strategies for cake 9 was forward in life with enthusiasm. ltd as a R&D officer, the young team another important business lesson That seed made us stronger in initiated a new startup called Cake for me. After being involved in the terms of the power of imagination 9 where I was given the leading IT Company and the handling the and positivity and is producing role. In the initial phase, we had 9 e-commerce portal, I realized that successful leader. members in the team. I handled the we have a huge prospect of business team while I was involved in other in this nation. The only thing is we Each story has an ending. But organization. Cake 9 was related must be able to update ourselves sometimes endings are just a new with e-commerce business and it with the market & we must be able beginnings. I completed BBA in 2016, was totally a new experience for me. to listen to the success and the but I feel this is the new beginning For the few weeks it was difficult for failure of other products and the of my life. I shouldn’t worry for not me to mobilize the team on the right companies. As a business leader, one being successful. Instead I should track. I was guided by my brother, should trust the team and the team worry for not seeing challenges Mr. Subash Sapkota, who is a mentor must be mobilized accordingly to ahead in my life. We really can’t to me as well. Through his guidance dream of doing great big things at achieve the desired goals.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 166

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS 167

Teachers' Section

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 168 TEACHERS

Towards political literacy

he resistance on are associated, how most of them were seen politics and political political affects individual, ignorant on Nepal’s political Tarena made this society and so on. Political turmoil because there’s subject emotive despite literacy is thus able to no progressive result as of political literacy being understand politics or such. Meanwhile, the news an earlier phenomenon. courage to participate in of the approaching local It is the fear or stigma political dialogue. Hence, election (happening after on politics that makes exploration on political 19 years) heated up the general people avoid literacy is vital. discussion and it was seen political discussion. that those ignorant groups Political literacy, like other Very often we say, we were getting concerned dimension of literacy is do not have anything to on it. This instance is just Saugat Gautam a set of capabilities that do with politics and try a representation of how citizens are expected to to abstain oneself from politically inquisitive we have in order to participate politics, but we somehow are though we claim not in state’s affair. Cassel and we get into it; it affects to be. And we just proved Lo have defined political us in some way or other. ‘man is a political animal literacy as “knowledgeable Dirty game and unethical as quoted by Aristotle. of basic political concepts players (politicians) are Well, this is how we have and facts." Basically, some overheard phrases been and are participating considering the general when we put forward our in political discourse notion of literacy, we can say about politics and limiting in tea shop and understand political literacy politicians. A few months making a grand ‘Chiya guff’. as the ability to understand ago, I and a few friends The conscious effort of how government functions, had debate on if politics involving oneself politically, how power and politics really mattered? To which of course constructively is

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS TEACHERS 169

still lacking in our case of questioning political and colleges should as we have mastered in dynamics, but also start incorporating the Political complaining only. initiating new forms of political systems and participation political participation institutions in their is any type So to create that strong after claiming to become courses. Knowing the political base or educate a literate one. So far system and institution of activity citizens about political as political parties and will allow people to be that affects dynamics, it is important citizens have believed or aware how their life is citizens do some sort of trusted the conventional affected by politics and political political participation. pattern of power and explore where and how affairs. There Political participation is politics. However, time they can participate any type of activity that has changed and new in different levels. It is are different affects political affairs. generations have started not that we cannot or levels of There are different levels challenging the status should not make political of political participation quo. Let us take an complains but before we political like using voting rights example of recent local do this we should know participation as a conscious citizen election in 3 states of of what we are saying like using to participating in mass Nepal. In this election which gives a logical rallies and protest. Such political parties and political complain or to voting rights participation affects voters demonstrated say a constructive one. as a conscious our political province how social media The more we ignore and makes us part of a can be a strong tool politics, the more we citizen to system. While sharing to engage citizens in are fooling ourselves. participating this concern, it reminded political discussion. The Politically literate me of a quote from Plato; extensive use of media citizens are today’s need in mass “One of the penalties for also shares the credit, to strengthen the overall rallies and refusing to participate which made 73% people democratization process in politics is that you to come out of their and institutionalize the protest. Such end up being governed house and vote. This is democracy in a country participation by your inferiors”. So let indeed a sign of political like Nepal. affects our us imagine constructive consciousness. Well, political participation few political analysts are Therefore, we should political from the grass root, so still questioning the bad start thinking about province and that more politically person being elected and initiatives that will literate citizens will be a we are paying the price. heighten our political makes us part part of decision making However, the emerged awareness. As mentioned of a system. with an improvisation new political forces in earlier, we should not in governance. Political Nepal are challenging limit such awareness participation ultimately the conventional only as a Tea Talk but produces politically mindset of doing politics make this matter a literate and conscious and focusing more on national concern. Only citizens. Hence, the citizen engagement. then, ultimately, we can youth (future) should Such engagements are expect a demonstration start questioning and sure to raise the political of good political with participating in political literacy in future. expanding of politically discourse. Political literate citizens in a literacy not only To produce politically country. involves being aware literate citizens, schools

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 170 TEACHERS

One that went

5ofgAag] PSsfpGg krxQ/ b'O ;] plGt;

obody says “Hello?” in a fake didn’t fall in the last earthquake, thanks american accent when you call to the concrete houses that squeeze Nin this number these days. it from three sides. The first floor left window has a broken glass. His work. It is easy to get lost in Kathmandu. He said he didn’t remember whether In most of the narrow streets in and it was an accident or intentional but around Bhotahiti, you won’t even get there definitely was a catapult and a a good GPS Signal. Even if you did, pebble involved. The landlord hasn’t Rupesh Bhattarai most police officers probably know fixed it yet because he still thinks that no better than to load a game of BASW, English Teacher he will catch him and make him pay for solitaire or log on to Facebook in their it someday; be it fifteen more years of Windows 7 loaded CRT monitors. waiting. The landlord and he had many almost cinematic chase sequences But this is not the kind of person who over the years as he grew up, he used would get lost so easily. The whole to say. Once he was chased until he hid town smells like him. That is how The Sankata Temple, where he realised you know you could find this person his slippers had torn on the way. anywhere in the town; until this abrupt Believe it or not, the torn left slipper disappearance. still piously sits behind the main statue There is this street that leads to in the temple. Indrachowk from Bhotahiti. Four Oh, and somewhere on the wall behind houses before the first left turn in that the temple, you will probably see the street, there is an old brick house. It

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS TEACHERS 171

Near Durbar High School, on a big concrete lump that had been there for ages for reasons no one knew, he used to sit every evening. From there, he whistled at girls on blue knee-length skirts, blue stockings and leather shoes returning home from their extra-tuition classes in school.

name of his crush, written in a exploding hormones secretly poor Nepali handwriting. But admired the charms of this wait! They were re-painting pervert, has now graduated. And the wall the last week. So, that’s in the evenings, she still often gone. passes through the road in blue Jeans, looking at the concrete Besides a paint store, up in lump, hoping he’d whistle at her the east corner of Jamal, is again. where he first learnt to smoke. He loved the idea of smoking He was there, when they more than he loved smoking renovated ‘Ratnapark’ into once he actually started, but ‘Shankhadar Shakhwa Park’. He then, he never quit. This tiny loved lying under the shade of tea-shop/pub/hideout had a a twisted Peepal tree that he Tuborg sponsored board that found homely. Lying there, he said “Friends Khaja Ghar.” When made remarks on how every he first started smoking, the well dressed girl that walked pub had just got a set of plastic around was an escort and upon ashtrays from Carlsberg; one being requested not to judge of which he dropped from the people like that, he would say table and broke on an edge. The that calling someone an escort ashtray - now broken and old, wasn’t exactly judging them still sits still on the third table and if the listener thought it near to the toilet, his favorite was judgmental, it was the table for an early morning tea listener who was judgmental. and cigarette routine, although He also thought that Ratnapark the board outside is sponsored was never going to become by Somersby now. Shankhadhar Shakhwa Park and he was right. Nobody calls it Near Durbar High School, on a Shankhadhar Shakhwa Park. big concrete lump that had been there for ages for reasons no Rumours have it, now he picks one knew, he used to sit every up a foreign contact number, evening. From there, he whistled says “Hello? Can we talk later? at girls on blue knee-length I am at work.” in a fake Arabian skirts, blue stockings and leather accent. shoes returning home from their extra-tuition classes in school. And his home, desperately looks One of those girls, who was for him every evening, to see if then in grade eight and whose he came back from work.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 172 TEACHERS

How are we reinforcing patriarchy?

Nepali Hindu societies places much importance on the male child giving them exclusivity over many rituals. Also differential investments in the education of children according to sex affects their life choices significantly, mostly women Sanjeev Dahal being in the losing side. MSW, MFamily/ Faculty, Thames International College

n a class on the sociology of family we were Patriarchy is defined as the struggle between asked to draw our family tree. Very proud of women and men to control women’s labor power Ihow close we are to our extended families (Boris and Bardaglio 1983: 7). Gender is used to in Nepal, I enthusiastically drew a family tree emphasize the “socially produced structures, with my grandfather, my parents, uncles, aunts, meanings and relations that depend on, deepen cousins and their children, only to realize, at the and transform, but are not fully explained by, end of the class that all the people in the family or reducible to, biological sex differences”(Nair tree I had drawn only represented my father’s 1996: 11) in (Seira Tamang, 2000). side of the family. I had unknowingly normalized that family was synonymous to paternal family. There are various factors that drive participation A little ashamed of myself I went back home of women such as the level of development, to complete the family tree with members of cultural and social norms, and educational my mother’s side of the family who I was so attainment. In Nepal’s case, the level of close to but had unknowingly excluded. This participation of women in the labour force is small exercise made me realize how ingrained similar to other low-income countries. In these patriarchy is in our daily lives but normalized to economies, most people, including women, need the extent that it becomes invisible to most of to work out of necessity and poverty. (ILO, 2014) us. Through this short essay I intend to look into Being a teacher of integrated Social Work and some of the matters concerning our daily lives having been asked to write something by a that blatantly and subtly reinforce patriarchy. student, let me try and present something at

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS TEACHERS 173

each of at micro, meso and macro levels. constructs are manifold. Many women in At micro level, within families and within Nepal are trapped in the vicious cycle of At meso couples, patriarchy is reinforced by lack of access to education opportunities supporting the male breadwinner and which in turn limits their opportunities level, societal female homemaker model, e.g. I feel for work and restriction in decision responsible for my family to provide for making within household. Their lack structures, them, my greatest happiness is to see of participation with the household in culture, the people I am responsible for happy. decision making and control over their This deifies the male in the family. choices including choice of a partner religion, Hoarding boards communicating ‘work and profession limit their empowerment in progress’ through ‘men at work’ subtly to a large extent. Although, laws that everyday life reinforcing that work outside the home are discriminating to women are should be taken my men. The common changing on paper, e.g. property laws practices adages “pothi baaseko ramro hunna” are and citizenships laws, translation of examples of controlling women’s agency these laws from paper to real life are not reiterate the by criticizing their expression of opinion. found to be in the same manner. Even in instances where women have been values of Family is probably the most profound given access to political participation it is example of patriarchal reinforcement restricted in many ways. An example can patriarchal at micro level. It prepares children for be taken from the recently conducted different roles and mostly in male-female first phase of local elections where practices. dichotomy. Although apparently such presence of female candidates was different raising is limiting to women, encouraging because it was mandated to it is limiting to all sexes. Nepali Hindu have them in an executive position but a societies places much importance on majority of female candidates were seen the male child giving them exclusivity in supporting role than leading executive over many rituals. Also differential roles, viz. Deputy Mayors. investments in the education of children according to sex affects their life choices In order to move towards a more significantly, mostly women being in the inclusive society where no one suffers losing side. from the extensions of patriarchy, it is important to work at structural levels At meso level, societal structures, including change in laws making them culture, religion, everyday life practices more inclusive and extending equal reiterate the values of patriarchal rights and privileges to all, regardless practices. of caste, religion, sexual orientation, geography, to name a few prominent At macro level scenarios like unequal indicators affecting the lives of the rights to citizenship for females and Nepalese. It is imperative that family exclusion of household work in the GDP as an institution does not reinforce are examples of exclusion of females patriarchal constructs and allows for from the political mainstream which is a equal participation of all sexes in all its product of patriarchal social construct arenas and at all levels. As a society, we minimizing the importance of female should be more accepting to all sexes and identity and the value they create, do away with our biases Social Workers simultaneously reinforcing patriarchy. can be a great medium of change at all The injustice and discrimination levels with their skills, knowledge and women in Nepal face due to patriarchal attitude for an integrated practice.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 174

Abhijeet Shrestha

Riding Through

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS TEACHERS 175

I finally left the learned to ride at the age of 9 and I’ve been interested to ride ever since. US and came IGrowing up, my brother and I would back to Nepal have fun taking turns on the only ‘mountain bike’ around our house in Dhapasi; I don't in the summer remember the brand but it was a 21 speed of 2007 and I (3 x 7) gear, made in Taiwan. During my high school days I would sometimes ride to did not ride a a coaching center in Chabahil to prepare bicycle until for my board exams. My cycling came to a halt when I finished high school and went three summers to pursue Bachelor's degree in India; my later. Then brother too had left for higher studies a couple years ago. Our good old mountain my colleagues bike rusted in peace inside our garage. and I jointly For several years I didn't ride bikes. Then suddenly in the spring of 2003, in Spokane decided Washington, I got a chance to borrow a with cross-country rides mostly towards bicycle from a friend of mine and use it for and bought Lele, Lalitpur via Chapagaun and return via my commute to work. I soon learned about Chhampi or the other way around. Some of bicycles as an a good biking trail alongside Spokane River our favorite cross-country rides have been and would go on rides with few friends alternative to Surya Binayak Bhaktapur and return via from work. In 2006, I moved to Fremont, Lubhu Lalitpur; Banepa Kavre and return means of California after the completion of my MBA via Nala Bhaktapur; Bishankhu Narayan where a colleague of mine took me to a commuting to and return via Kot Danda; Doleshwore real mountain bike trail park nearby. There Mahadev/Pilot Baba Ashram and return via work during I got my first experience of all mountain Ashapuri, and many alike. and downhill ride, which I found very transportation fascinating, but unfortunately I had to About Six months ago both of us bid strikes of 2011. discontinue riding as I moved to Virginia farewell to our cross-county Hard Tail due to change of job. bikes and got ourselves each an "All Mountain bike". In November of 2016, I finally left the US and came back to Nepal I got myself a Kona Precept 150; a full in the summer of 2007 and I did not ride suspension 2 x 10 bike with SRAM Drive a bicycle until three summers later. Then Train, 150 mm front suspension fork my colleagues and I jointly decided and and 150 mm rear suspension, 2.40 mm bought bicycles as an alternative means of Maxxis High Roller II tires and Shimano commuting to work during transportation hydraulic brake set. My colleague and strikes of 2011. We were all tired of the a fellow rider owns a 2016 Cube Stereo numerous days of Bandhs and figured Pro, also full suspension and overall a riding bicycle to work was both safe and great All Mountain Bike. We now have good means of exercise. For me, it was a shifted into more of off-road biking trails good distance of 15 KMs back and forth and we try to avoid blacktop roads and from home in Dhapasi Height to my work motorable roads as far as possible. We like in Durbarmarg. to navigate our way through the off road It's been a year and a half since I took up trails and single tracks. Our favorite trails mountain biking as a recreational sport; include Bhaisepati towards Chapagaun- I have been trying to ride my mountain Lele Bhanjyang through Rajkulo; Chhampi bike on Saturdays and on public holidays. towards Pharping Hydro; Budhanilkantha I got myself a "Cross-country Mountain towards Helipad towards Gokarna to name Bike" Jamis Nemesis Comp 2015; a 2 x 10 a few. Hard Tail mountain bike with Shimano The thrill and excitement of dashing Deore Drive Train, Rock Sox 100 mm through narrow bends of the surrounding front suspension fork, Shimano hydraulic woods within the valley and fiddly corners brake-set. My senior coworker and I have along the lush green paddy fields, and the been doing regular rides on the outskirts gushing wind is incomparable. of the Kathmandu Valley. We started out

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 176

Alok Vaid Menon

came out to my grandmother when the same thing as being lesbian, gay or I was 18. bisexual. Being lesbian, gay, bisexual or straight describes who you are attracted IThere are no photos to document this to and who you feel yourself drawn to event because romantically and sexually. A transgender In my culture coming out is not a person can be gay, lesbian, straight moment, or bisexual. Gender identity, whether transgender or cisgender, is about who It is a smile smudged on a photograph, you are inside as male female, both or you must understand, none of these. And talking about Alok It is an ocean swallowing us back. and their (Alok prefers to be addressed as gender neutral ’they/their’ rather than It is all of our portraits weeping. ‘he/she’ or ‘him/her’) gender, Alok says, Kriti K.C. It is a family unraveling at the seams. “My gender is that I am both a man and Coordinator, Office of a woman and neither a man or women. It’s not so much that we never talk about Academic Affairs I am outside of these entire categories”. it again, The way Alok was performing and their It’s more that the silence speaks for us make-over – floral print jumpsuit, hair bun, block heels everything, audience You see in my culture we have learned that couldn’t agree more. There is no difference between ‘silence’ When talking about feminism Alok and ‘violence’ shared that there are not one but many We inherit both from our men, Begins feminisms. Alok shared that mainstream Alok Vaid-Menon. articulations of feminism tend to just be for and by white cisgender heterosexual As the crowd at Thames International women. But there are also trans College at Diversity Day gathered to meet feminisms who center violence and Alok, the poet, writer and performance brutality against trans and gender non- artist, dressed in a floral orange jumpsuit conforming people and they are the only with matching earrings, black block heels ones in which Alok believes in and learn and red lipstick, educates the audience from. on transgender, cis feminisms double standards, misogyny socialization and Despite the insults, the harassment, shares personal experience of being a the barefaced jokes and the tone of gender non-conforming person. disrespect that Alok has faced, Alok still stands strong and confident, and Alok Alok had a rhythm, a very beautiful remains Alok. Thus, one thing to take rhythm in their performance. For an away from Alok’s performance is that hour, Alok makes the audience laugh by people should come out of the closet genuinely saying something amusing and more because there is nothing to be also silences them and makes them think scared about especially because the more and reflect while elucidating the bitter you are scared and the more you are in realities and the harassment encountered the hiding then people still think that by transgender people. they have the power to actually rule over People often confuse gender identity with your life and you shouldn’t let anyone rule sexual orientation. Alok in the session over your life except yourself. Thank you cleared that being transgender isn’t Alok…!!

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS TEACHERS 177

“I’d heard about Alok only a week ago. After following Alok on social media piqued my interest and hence decided to witness the show firsthand. Gender non- conforming international artist, Alok put on a show so full of confidence and questions about you and everyone else. Any decisions involving our bodies are massively influenced by the bounds of societal acceptance. In a world where anything not inside the standardized lines we considered anomalies and is the subject of mistreatment, Alok shared and experiences involving physical and mental abuse experienced while choosing feelings over gender”, says Anish Bhatta.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 178 TEACHERS

Managing Your Energy Before Time Ashish Chaulagain

mong the most popular effect in , physical, emotional, important source of energy training programs mental, social and spiritual but in fact there are few other Aoffered to students health over a long period sources from which we gain and professionals around the of time. Whether it be for energy like rest or sleep, world, one of them is ‘Time professionals or for students, emotional support or words Management’ and there are everyone on a regular basis of inspiration. Combination also many theories and tools has felt and experienced of all these factors provides developed to help people stress that comes along with us energy we need to get the manage their time. Time the fact of having time being job done and also helps us to Management is also popular limited to get the work done. maintain physical, emotional, because it's directly linked In the meantime most of mental and spiritual resilience. with work or performance of us have forgotten another an individual which has again very important variable that In 2007, Tony Schwartz and direct relation with person comes along while we talk Catherine McCarthy, who are efficiency and effectiveness. about getting our work done founder and vice president or performance which is, our of Energy Project, published Problem with time is, its energy level and which is one of the most appreciated limited, we just have 24 renewable. articles in Harvard Business hours in a day and we cannot Review and according to them, increase or decrease it when It is understandable fact that there are energy leakers in our required. It is this limitation of we need energy to get our day to day life, which depletes time, people experience stress work done. Now keeping time our energy level. However, we when they have lot to achieve constant, as it is, we have only can always renew our energy in that limited time-frame. one variable to play and that level and continue to work This limitation can hence is energy. We collect energy at same energy level as in make an individual desperate from various sources. At once the beginning if we become and that can have detrimental we might just think of food as aware of our energy and work

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS TEACHERS 179

to renew it or avoid things that practice of mindfulness. renew mental energy. depletes our energy level. We can divide the use of our energy • Fuel positive emotions Spiritual Energy in four basic dimensions, which in yourself and others are Physical, Emotional, Mental by regularly expressing • Identify your "sweet spot" and Spiritual. Our energy is appreciation to others in activities--those that give consumed while performing detailed, specific terms you feelings of effectiveness, functions in each of those through notes, emails, calls, or effortless absorption, and dimensions and somehow all conversations. fulfillment. Find ways to do the dimensions are mutually more of these. • Look at upsetting situations inclusive. through new lenses. Adopt a • Allocate time and energy Now let’s look at how can "reverse lens" to ask, "What to what you consider most we renew four dimension would the other person in this important. For example, spend of our personal energy as conflict say, and how might he the last 20minutes of your recommended by Schwartz and be right?" evening commute relaxing, McCarthy. so you can connect with your • Use a "long lens" to a "How will family once you're home. I likely view this situation in six months?" • Live your core values. For Physical Energy instance, if consideration is • Employ a "wide lens" to ask, important to you but you're • Enhance your sleep by setting "How can I grow and learn perpetually late for meetings, an earlier bedtime and from this situation?" practice intentionally showing reducing alcohol use. up five minutes early for • Reduce stress by engaging meetings. in cardiovascular activity at Mental Energy • Practise acceptance, least three times a week and forgiveness, compassion strengthtraining at least once. • Reduce interruptions and sincerity to boost your by performing high- spiritual energy. • Eat small meals and light concentration tasks away from snacks every three hours. phones and e-mail. It’s important to keep track of your personal energy and try to • Learn to notice signs of • Respond to voicemails and manage those that drains your imminent energy flagging, emails at designated times energy very fast and accept including restlessness, during the day. yawning, hunger and difficulty those behaviors which helps concentrating. • Every night, identify the most to renew personal energy in important challenge for the anyone of the dimension. Now • Take brief but regular breaks, next day. Then make it your you know time is constant and away from your desk, at first priority when you arrive cannot be renewed but with 90 to 120-minute intervals at work in the morning. Avoid knowledge of energy and four throughout the day. multitasking as much as dimensions of personal energy possible. you can now keep track of your daily personal energy and work Emotional Energy • Practise Mindfulness, and renew it so that you are Breathing exercise or spend again full charged to complete • Defuse negative emotions- some time alone listening your designated task though -irritability, impatience, to calm and soothing music limited with time. So from now anxiety, insecurity--through to settle your mind and on, start managing your energy deep abdominal breathing, or experience the nothingness to and time will manage itself.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 180

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS 181 Interview Section

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 182

Santosh Raj Pathak, class of 2008, is a beloved member of Thames family and the recipient of Thames Outstanding Graduate Award in 2017. Niva Ranjit speaks to Mr. Pathak about his journey in and after Thames.

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS 183

Through My Lens

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 184 INTERVIEWS

What are you doing currently? organizations which made me more persistent to stay in Nepal. There are a lot good opportunities in Nepal as I am currently working at ICIMOD. It is an international well. I got involved in development sector in a project governmental organization which deals with mountain under an INGO which was related to constitution. At that development. The organization is also in Afghanistan, time, constitution was not developed, so I worked on the Myanmar and Bangladesh. I am in partnership with the project. I got more penetrated into the community. and organization for three years. I also love photography. At this made my decision stronger to stay in Nepal. I finished least once a year, I go around Nepal to capture its beauty my MBA from Ace in 2013 that started in 2010. I took my in my photographs. studies and work parallelly at that time. How did Thames help to build up yourself? What did you do after studying in Thames? Thames was still a small organization back then. BBA had I thought of going abroad. I had done my GMAT but did just been introduced. I belonged to the second batch of not apply to any universities. So, I got into organizations. TU affiliated Thames. But I would say it was almost like Working in organizations made me realize that I should the first batch in terms of extra activities opportunities. I work for my country and my community. Or else, it got involved in different activities. I became the President would not be justice. I joined Rotaract and other social of Rotaract in the first year and worked by staying

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS INTERVIEWS 185

in other different positions as well. I got involved in What made you feel capable of being a District Level activities too. Students Council of Thames nominee for Outstanding Graduate Award? International College (SCOTIC) had not been evolved then. But still, I along with other active friends organized When I enrolled, the college was still growing. There Sports Week, Teachers’ Day etc. and this is how the were fewer students back then, so we had a close relation idea of SCOTIC was generated. Also, the internship that and bonding with teachers. Personally, since I was Thames provided helped me grow as a person in a much involved in various activities along with photography, I easier and better way. feel I had a role in the community. I can proudly say that I am a product of Thames and Ace. Also when at Thames, I had contributed a lot in social and cultural events. We What are your future plans? once had a one-week drama in which I played the role I will continue working in development sectors. I am of a lead character. Along with this and many other such really happy and satisfied with these works that I’m opportunities helped me a lot in growing as a person. doing. I want to explore Nepal more and want to show These opportunities helped me to automatically get the beauty of Nepal through my photography. Hopefully, exposed to things. I am still known as a Thamian and it I will get married in few years. It is more of my parents’ feels really good to be tagged such by your college and plan than mine though. family. I have suggested many of my cousins to study

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 186 INTERVIEWS

at Thames. I had also actively participated in to something really good and motivation to different events and activities which helped to do something better. I think the award that I make me to be a better person. received is for my contribution to the community and my photography. It has energized me to do more in my sectors. I am really grateful to the How do you think winning the award college for this honor. helped you in your career/ will help in your career? How will this award help the next I took my win not as an award but as a nominee? recognition. It’s been 8 or 9 years that I graduated from Thames and still the college Award is recognition to anyone who receives thought of awarding its alumni. It is really it. If anyone has contributed in their field with motivating that they still remember the passion and enthusiasm, they are liable to be graduated students. This is the root of the awarded. The college is doing a good job by college life. I think the award is the contribution starting this trend and this not only motivates

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS INTERVIEWS 187

the students but helps the college for promotion as well. This helps to pull more students towards the college. The award makes you feel responsible and dutiful to be a good citizen. An award is beneficial to anyone in their career as it is motivating and valuable. It brings more respect towards your college and your field of work. I think the next nominee might feel the same or even more. It is a boosting factor to current students. Students would contribute more and try to achieve the award. Even the alumni who are working in different places might also contribute more. As the system of award continues, more maturity might be brought up. I hope this trend of award be bigger and better in coming days.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 188 INTERVIEWS

THE LIFE OF A PARENT-TEACHER Debanjana grow, I have seen Thames grow – from a child to Bhattacharya an adult. Thames, has given me an identity. If I is one of the use few words it will be longest serving limiting my emotions and my feelings. I have grown faculty members with Thames and this has of Thames become an integral part of International my life. What are the best parts of College. The your job that makes you English teacher, look forward for every Ms. Bhattacharya, new day? is also a mother The best part of being a teacher is getting to of a 18 year-old interact with my students. Numerous batches have daughter. Aashma graduated, many of my Rijal speaks to her students are married, some have children about her dual life and their children have What is your story behind However, I was adamant started to go to schools. as a parent and a being a teacher? on my decision and sure And thanks to social that I would take up teacher. media most of them are I became a teacher by this profession. I don’t in contact and it feels choice because I have regret being a teacher good to know when they always wanted to be one. and if I would be given remember me. Coming I was inspired by my an opportunity to choose back to the interaction science teacher when I a profession again, I will with the students, was in the ninth standard. choose to be a teacher. She was always well- whether it is to scold dressed, disciplined, had What is Thames to you? them or guide them or to Thames is an amazing teaching style tell them what they should everything to me, and interacted beautifully. Thames is a part of me. I do and not do, I enjoy have been associated with conversing with them no if I use few words So, somehow, I started to feel that I will become like Thames since 2003 and matter what the topic is. it will be limiting her one day. these 14 years have been a my emotions and great journey, I think that And yes, of course, the my feelings. I have It was a conscious itself says what Thames is college environment and colleagues with whom I grown with Thames decision though it was not to me. To be more precise, very much appreciated Thames is my second work with. It doesn’t seem and this has by my parents. My dad home. My daughter was like I am coming for a job, become an integral was in the civil service only four years old when it’s like something I have part of me. and my parents wanted I joined Thames so, as I been doing for so long. me to join civil services. have seen my daughter Now it has been a part of

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS INTERVIEWS 189

me and I enjoy doing it. makes my work boring. together as teaching itself like their mother and not is a learning process. a teacher, very often I Here, at Thames we have Can you please share your Teaching cannot be far remind myself that I am been given the freedom to most memorable moment away from learning. So, not their mother. But, it explore our creativity. you have ever had at I have learnt to become is very difficult to control Thames? more patient while as the motherly thoughts What challenges make dealing with the students, come out naturally. I your days interesting? Every moment. The whole I have started seeing try to balance but more journey of my life at from newer perceptions often I try to make them Sometimes people Thames is a memorable towards various things understand about their question me that I have one. I cannot specifically from different generations parents’ perspective been teaching for 14 state any particular of students. So, in a way, and their expectations years and since the moment. But, if I have to students are my teachers from them. However, it subject matter has not remember one moment as I have learnt to live entirely depends on how changed much, so what that has a special place in my life more because of they take it; some might is that it makes my class my heart, it is when our this perception change. I feel that she is giving interesting. I say, the college in 2004 stood first believe that as I continue an unnecessary lecture different batches of at Tribhuvan University teaching, I will be learning while some might take it students make my work with hundred percent more and more. positively. exciting and challenging. distinction as it was our Every batch is different, first batch of BBA full You are mother at home Having taught students so naturally the way of class. I know I can speak and a teacher at college. for so many years, being dealing changes. In spite for all when I say that was But how have you handled a teacher is not only a of the same content, the most memorable and your role as a teacher at profession to me. I am new batches make the proud moment for anyone home and as a parent at emotionally attached work challenging as affiliated to Thames. Many the college? to this which makes me every single individual more precious moments feel that my students are is different. So, this are there but the first is Yes, I am a mother at like me children. I can makes me think of new always special. home and a teacher at understand their phase strategies, new ways and college and it is extremely - emotional changes and methods to make them And, as the journey difficult to balance. Very frantic states of mind and interested. I deal with continues, all these often, the two overlap I can relate to them as I diverse individuals and moments are memorable each other because when am seeing my daughter in due to this one batch too. Many things have I am at home, I try to tell that very phase of her life. of students reacting been memorable to me - something to my daughter I try to talk them out of different to one of my the teaching, counseling and it comes in a way that the situation. Sometimes, method where the other the students, emceeing a teacher is telling it to when I get angry, I hope might have a complete the programs especially her student. My daughter the students realize that different reaction about the annual convocations often reminds me that I the reaction was less of the same. So, I have to and so on. So, I can am not in the college. This a teacher and more of a understand who I am proudly say that I have is because I usually end mother. dealing with and then been rejoicing all the up talking to her in a loud try to implement the moments at Thames and voice as in a class. And So, this has been a roller- method. Some require I am sure that there are when I am in the college, coaster but I hope that friendly approach where many more to come. very often I feel that the I have been successful as some need a little strict students are my children. to a certain extent but You have invested a approach. Similarly, some So, whenever I am telling I cannot guarantee significant amount of time need motherly approach them something, it comes how successfully I can in teaching. What are while the other requires out as if a mother is master this because the your learnings? a more serious approach. talking to her children motherly feelings come This makes my work I am learning every day. for their betterment. out naturally. I am still challenging and to tell I believe that teaching So, sometimes students learning and trying to you the truth, this never and learning always go might feel that I am just balance it.

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 190

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS 191 Photographs and Sketches

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 192 PHOTOGRAPHS AND SKETCHES

Photos: Aadarsh Shakya

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS PHOTOGRAPHS AND SKETCHES 193

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 194 PHOTOGRAPHS AND SKETCHES

Photos: Ronish Shrestha

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS PHOTOGRAPHS AND SKETCHES 195

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 196 PHOTOGRAPHS AND SKETCHES

Photos: Sandesh Shrestha

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS PHOTOGRAPHS AND SKETCHES 197

Photo: Sumit Kumar Singh

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 198 PHOTOGRAPHS AND SKETCHES

Photos: Ujjwal Budhathoki

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS PHOTOGRAPHS AND SKETCHES 199

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 200 PHOTOGRAPHS AND SKETCHES

Photo: Ilsan Rajbhandari

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS PHOTOGRAPHS AND SKETCHES 201

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 202 PHOTOGRAPHS AND SKETCHES Photo: Aadesh Shrestha Photo:

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS PHOTOGRAPHS AND SKETCHES 203

By Diksha Khaling

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 204 PHOTOGRAPHS AND SKETCHES

By Alfa Dulal

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS PHOTOGRAPHS AND SKETCHES 205

By Alfa Dulal

By Anamika Shrestha

By Sanjay Makaju

REFLECTIONS www.thamescollege.edu.np 206 PHOTOGRAPHS AND SKETCHES

By Anmol Shrestha

By Jagriti Chaudhary

www.thamescollege.edu.np REFLECTIONS PRESENTS EIC Learner’s Hub

English Improvement Classes

SPEAKING READING WRITING CRITICAL THINKING LISTENING

OUR Achievements

WORKED WITH Touched lives OF CONDUCTED 8 215 27 GOVERMENT STUDENTS SESSIONS SCHOOLS and counting... and counting... and counting...

ANYONE CAN CHANGE LIVES Apply now to Volunteer [email protected] / [email protected] for more details

canopynepal @canopy_nepal @canopy_nepal www.canopynepal.com DAVID J. RUSK LIBRARY

Over 10,000 Books

Online Journals

Latest Magazines and Newspapers

Internet Stations

Quiet Reading Area

Meeting Rooms