The Nepali Outpost

Pro-monarchy protests are gaining traction in Nepal, but can they really undo the secular republic?

In this episode, I sit down with Sajun Lawoti, spokesperson for the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), to discuss the movement’s goals, its chances of success, and why he believes Hindu Republicanism would be a mistake.

I push him on the skepticism many Nepalis have toward his party, the RPP’s struggle to convert frustration into votes, and whether the political center-right has a future in Nepal.

Tune in for a candid conversation about the country's shifting political landscape. Guest book recommendations:

📖 Seto Bagh by Diamond Shumsher Rana
📖 Imagined Communities by Benedict Anderson
📖 Mero Desh Mero Parivesh by Padma Sundar Lawoti

In this episode of The Nepali Outpost, we sit down with acclaimed Chef Bikram Vaidya to discuss his newly released book, The Mystic Kitchens of Nepal. Join us as we explore his inspiring journey from Aasan Tol to the USA, delving into the challenges he faced while mastering French cooking and how his experiences have shaped his perspective on Nepali cuisine.

Chef Bikram shares his insights into the evolving food culture of Nepal, highlighting how traditions blend and adapt over time. His book, a fusion of culinary art and travel narrative, celebrates the intricate Nepali culinary heritage with over 140 recipes and engaging anecdotes that transport readers through Nepal's breathtaking landscapes.

Reflecting on the essence of food, Chef Bikram emphasizes that it is deeply intertwined with one's identity—nationally, ethnically, and personally. He discusses the philosophy behind cooking as a form of medicine, presenting Ayurvedic recipes that focus on seasonal eating for optimal health.

Listeners (& readers) will gain insights into the multiple facets of Nepali cuisine, regional specialties, cooking techniques, and the integral role of herbs and spices. With a rich blend of practical tips and captivating stories, The Mystic Kitchens of Nepal is more than just a cookbook; it’s an invitation to experience Nepali food culture.

Tune in to learn about how Chef Bikram is reconnecting us to the roots of these culinary traditions!

Find out more about Chef Bikram Vaidya and his work at bikramvaidya.com.

Link to buy The Mystic Kitchens of Nepal:

Our latest episode features the insightful Dr. Bipin Ghimire, an expert on South Asian geopolitics and border dynamics. In this episode, we take a look into the complexities surrounding Nepal's borders, both colonial and non-colonial, highlighting the historical implications and current challenges.

 Dr. Ghimire discusses how Nepal's borders were shaped during colonial rule and the impact that legacy has on its present-day political landscape. We also discuss the "Chuche Naksha" and explore what it means for Nepal in the context of national identity and territorial integrity. Dr. Ghimire shares insights on how China's security concerns affect Nepal’s policies, regional dynamics, and people-centric border policy.

Book Recommendations:

Join us for this conversation that uncovers the intersections of history, geography, and contemporary global politics.

🎙️ New episode out now with Dr. Anil Sigdel!

We cover:

Plus, Dr. Sigdel shares some thought-provoking book recommendations:

A mix of global insights and great reads—don’t miss it!

🎧 Listen now!
#GlobalPolitics #UkraineWar #BookRecommendations #IndoPacific #Trump2024 #Podcast

As the dust begins to settle after the "July Protests" in Bangladesh, we speak with political scientist Md Mizanur Rahman about what politics and society look like post-Sheikh Hasina. Mizanur guides us through the reasons for the protests and the key characters. We also speak about what these changes mean for the "spirit of Bangladesh", the state, and the future of secularism. Happy Listening! 

Show recommendations include:

Welcome to Season 2 of The Nepali Outpost! The first few episodes of Season 2 are part of a mini-series The Nation and the Civilization.

In Episode 1, we talk with Dr. Nirmala Mani Adhikary, author and communication theorist, about the fractional nature of identity politics, how the Hindu community should respond to cow killing, and why Nepal has to look at its knowledge system to resolve social conflict.

The discussion then moves on to how Nepal's indigenous civilizational conception of the state and the nation is different from the Western understanding of the nation and state. Dr. Adhikary talks about why "dharma" ( not religion) is central to statecraft, and the "incommensurability between how people are living and how people are perceiving".

I also ask him how he plans to win over "Kathmandu liberals" who do not subscribe to his approach to decolonization. And how the Nepali diaspora can

We end with why he thinks Hindutva works for India but not for Nepal, where Sanatana Dharma should be the guiding principle. And why BJP and RSS need reorientation towards indigenous worldview.

Show Recommendations:

In the final episode of Season 1 of The Nepali Outpost, we speak with filmmaker Kirtana Banskota. Kirtana speaks to us about her creative journey, why representation is important, and what it means to be one of the few Nepali-American filmmakers and producers. We dive deeper into the cultural changers in Nepali diaspora, and why Nepal's filmmakers are underappreciated and how some of its best films go unrecognized.

She also speaks about her new projects; highs (and lows) of working with the Nepali community; and what the American in "Nepali-American" might mean.

Find out more about here work here: Banskota Production

Kirtana's upcoming feature film:

Show recommendations include:

In this episode, Kosh Raj Koirala, Editor, of Republica talks with us about what he thinks is Nepal's most pressing national security challenge and why we are ill-equipped to face it. We talk about the growing distrust of the media, and misinformation in light of the infamous Rabi Lamichanne press conference. Kosh Raj also speaks to us about the opportunity he sees for English language media in Nepal.

This last week has people questioning ideas that this episode speaks directly to. First, what role can (and should) Non-Residential Nepalis and the Nepali Diaspora play in Nepal's growth story? Second, the struggle of Nepali entrepreneurs and the realities of doing business in Nepal. 

In this episode, we speak with Preeti Adhikary, founder of The Great Nepali Diaspora, about why creating a platform for professionals in the diaspora, to share their expertise and lift each other up, is an idea whose time has truly come. Preeti talks about why the diaspora needs to take ownership of its own narrative and "at least give ourselves a chance if we are to succeed as a community". We talk about what intentional collective success looks like and why she continues to be an optimist. 

Show recommendations include: 

Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don’t Know, Malcolm Gladwell

Boju Bajai

The Legend of Vox Machina

In a much delayed, but highly relevant episode*, The Nepali Outpost speaks to Dipak Gyawali about the recent elections in Nepal and why he remains pessimistic about the health of Nepal's democracy.

Podcast recommendations: 

*Please note: This podcast was recorded on December 24, 2022, before Pushpa Kamal Dahal " Prachanda" was sworn in as Prime Minister on December 26, 2022.