Episodes
Project Sambaad Bhaag Dui: Baadi, Balen, ra Basti: On the Future of Kathmandu’s Urban Landscape
In this sambaad, Rupa Basnet , Padma Sundar Joshi and host Sabin Ninglekhu explore Kathmandu as a city shaped by three parallel urban realities—Newa settlements, informal settlements, and formal developments—each with unique histories and relationships to governance. Using the September 2024 floods as a critical lens, the conversation delves into questions of urban planning, legal accountability, and the impacts of ...
Chandra Dev Bhatta on Between State and Society: Rethinking Civil Engagement in Nepal
In this episode, Shuvangi Poudyal and Chandra Dev Bhatta engage in a thoughtful discussion on the evolution of Nepali civil society—from its pivotal role in democratic movements to its present-day entanglements with political power, funding constraints, and growing public distrust. Drawing from Bhatta’s research and recent discourse, the conversation explores the blurred lines between activism and partisanship, the ...
Project Sambaad Bhaag Dui: How to Talk to People: On the Disconnect between Research and Reaching Out
In this Sambaad, Pranay Rana, Anusha Khanal, Anup Ghimire, and Khushi Hang explore the rise of alternative media in Nepal. From rethinking what's newsworthy to building niche communities and making complex ideas more accessible, the conversation unpacks the creative and strategic shifts redefining Nepal's media landscape. This is a live recording of the panel discussion at Project Sambaad. Project Sambaad is a col...
Project Sambaad Bhaag Dui: On the Evolution of Nepali Civil Society: Co-Opted or Still Catalyzing Change?
In this Sambaad, speakers Nisha Onta, Anaya Bhadra Khanal, and Dinesh Gautam dive into the evolving landscape of Nepali civil society—its identity crisis, growing fragmentation, and shifting role from political activism to policy influence. They discuss the rise of think tanks, the challenges of donor dependence, and the need for greater collaboration in a sector grappling with internal divisions and external pressu...
Monalisa Adhikari on Revisiting the Non-Alignment Movement in a Changing World Order
In a world of shifting power dynamics and the fading influence of multilateral forums, critical questions arise on how they can help effectively navigate global conflicts and uphold the independence of member nations. In this episode, Shuvangi and Mona explore the Non-Aligned Movement, from its historical significance to contemporary relevance and impact. They debate Nepal's non-alignment stance versus India...
Suman Basnet on Reviewing Nepal's Rapid Rural Electrification Achievements
In this episode, Shreeya and Suman explore the transformative journey of rural electrification in Nepal, highlighting its evolution, and impact. They also examine the challenges of equitable access, energy reliability, and integration of diverse models. Reflecting on the broader implications, they consider how lessons from Nepal’s experience can inspire sustainable development and inclusive energy transitions worldw...
Nischal Dhungel on Nepal's Sovereign Credit Rating and its Potential Implications
In this episode, Aslesh and Nischal dive into Nepal's first-ever sovereign credit rating and what it means for the nation’s bold economic future as it gears up to graduate from LDC status. They break down its implications on foreign investments, business opportunities, and more. From hydropower to tourism, they explore the sectors ready to thrive and the reforms needed to keep the momentum going. Nischal Dhungel...
Katharine Rankin on Eating and Being Fed: Competing Ethics of Community-based Road Building in Nepal
Khushi and Katharine discuss Nepal’s community-based road-building initiatives, examining how these projects reveal the complex relationships between citizens, the state, and socio-economic systems. The conversation begins with a field memo from Katharine’s recent research and offers an anthropological perspective on how local cultural values, political dynamics, historical context, and social meanings influence per...
Akhilesh Upadhaya on From the Margins of Power: Exploring Nepali Borderland Communities
Shuvangi and Akhilesh explore Nepal's borderland communities' unique challenges and contributions. They discuss how federalism has reshaped governance and service delivery in these regions and examine the effects of cross-border policies and pandemic-era restrictions on local livelihoods and trade. The conversation highlights how borderland communities are often excluded from national discussions despite their criti...