Satis Devkota

An important, evidence-based response to a sweeping accusation. International recognition alone proves nothing about whom Nepal’s policymakers serve; the test is their record and the evidence. Joshi also makes a vital point: economists work with assumptions and values, as do political scientists and columnists. Following Myrdal, make those premises explicit and test claims against facts. A quotation from Friedman cannot settle the debate, and economics is no single creed. Scrutiny matters, but it must be evidence-based. Worth reading: kathmandupost.com/columns/20…

Calling this an “important, uncomfortable question” does not make it a sound one. Surprisingly, the piece reads more like a “chiya-pasal” opinion than a serious analysis: it offers no persuasive evidence or clear theoretical foundation for claiming Nepal’s technocrats serve global capital, and shows little engagement with basic economic and political science principles. Provocative framing is no substitute for rigorous analysis.

Ramayana is a high-risk $500 million investment with potentially significant financial, economic, and cultural implications. Its significance extends far beyond the commercial success of a single film. From a financial perspective, the key question is whether the project can generate attractive returns through global box office revenues, streaming rights, merchandise sales, licensing, and other commercial opportunities. These revenue streams could extend its earning potential well beyond the theatrical release. From a broader economic perspective, the project could generate employment, encourage technological innovation, develop specialized skills, attract investment, and strengthen India’s creative industries. It could also create opportunities for related businesses in production, manufacturing, distribution, and marketing. Such economic benefits may extend beyond the film itself, even if investors fail to achieve their expected financial returns. Equally important is its cultural ambition: to introduce India’s rich mythology, storytelling traditions, and civilizational heritage to global audiences, promote cross-cultural understanding, and strengthen India’s cultural influence and soft power. Achieving this ambition requires more than a large production budget or commercial success. It requires storytelling that resonates across cultures and generates sustained international interest. Therefore, the fundamental question is whether India can transform its extraordinary cultural wealth into a sustainable source of economic growth, international competitiveness, and global influence. That is what makes this $500 million gamble far more interesting than the commercial fate of a single film. Its greatest legacy may be its contribution to establishing India as a major global producer and exporter of cultural and creative products. @Fewacity Your thoughts?

With devotion and gratitude, we have completed our Laxmi Pooja. May Goddess Laxmi bless every home with peace, happiness, and prosperity. 🪔🙏

शुभ दीपावली तथा तिहार २०८३! दीपको उज्यालोसँगै सबैको जीवनमा सुख, शान्ति, सुस्वास्थ्य, समृद्धि र नयाँ आशाको सञ्चार होस्। देश–विदेशमा रहनुभएका सम्पूर्ण नेपाली दाजुभाइ तथा दिदीबहिनीहरूमा तिहारको हार्दिक मंगलमय शुभकामना! 🙏🌺

A beautiful morning, well spent in nature, quiet waters, autumn colors, a peaceful walk, and wonderful friends. The kind of mornings I can never get enough of. @GaurabRU

हात्ती आयो हात्ती आयो फुस्सा के हो?

A little out of season, perhaps, but these are real blooms in my backyard in the Pacific Northwest. Pink gladiolus, bright marigolds, and camellias already opening. The garden seems to be keeping its own calendar.

तिललाई पहाड बनाउन नेपालीहरू खप्पिस छन्। Nepalis are experts at making a mountain out of a molehill.

Dr. Wagle’s question is timely, and Dr. S. Jaishankar’s response offers a useful, nuanced perspective on how countries can cooperate in a more fragmented world. Dr. Wagle asked: As global multilateralism fragments, should countries create more formal bilateral, trilateral, regional and subregional institutions to address shared challenges such as disaster risk, nutrition, clean energy and climate change? Dr. Jaishankar’s answer recognized both the value and limits of formal institutions. They can help, but may also become slow and bureaucratic. Where they add value, as with the International Solar Alliance, they make sense. Elsewhere, flexible, issue-specific partnerships may work better. The focus should be on choosing the form of cooperation that can deliver results. @SwarnimWagle @DrSJaishankar

Nepal requested $20 million from the UN Loss and Damage Fund, the maximum permitted for one project under the Fund’s current pilot rules. The Board has provisionally set aside $21.6 million in total, including $1.6 million for oversight. This is a significant diplomatic and procedural step: the Board held its first extraordinary meeting on an ongoing disaster and allowed Nepal to submit a proposal outside the regular application period. But the set-aside is not yet money Nepal can spend. Nepal still needs to submit a proposal for review and approval. The $20 million is only a small fraction of the billions estimated for flood damage and recovery. It should therefore be seen as an initial contribution, not compensation for Nepal’s losses. Nepal’s success in securing the maximum available under the current rules also exposes how limited those rules are. The country now needs to press for its proposal to move quickly, make the strongest case for additional support, and ensure that climate justice delivers meaningful help to Nepali communities rebuilding their lives. spotlightnepal.com/2026/10/2…

🎙️ The recording is out! 1h46m on **Sustainable Energy Development in Nepal** — me with @ccrproud on the Nepalipost X Space, digging into the constraints, opportunities, and the path to industrialization. Watch/listen here 👇🇳🇵 @Nepalipost @jaya_hos

बडा दशैं २०८३ को हार्दिक मंगलमय शुभकामना! विजयादशमीको पावन अवसरमा तपाईं तथा तपाईंको सम्पूर्ण परिवारमा सुख, शान्ति, समृद्धि, सुस्वास्थ्य, दीर्घायु र उत्तरोत्तर प्रगतिको हार्दिक शुभकामना व्यक्त गर्दछु। माता दुर्गा भवानीको कृपाले सबैको जीवनमा खुशी, सफलता र सद्भाव छाओस्। शुभ विजयादशमी! 🌺🙏

Please note that the time for this discussion on “Sustainable Energy Development in Nepal: Constraints, Opportunities, and the Path to Industrialization” has changed. 📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026 🕗 New Time: 8:00 AM–11:00 AM (Eastern Time) Previously: 7:00–10:00 PM 📍 Nepalipost X Space

Looking forward to joining this important discussion on Nepal’s sustainable energy development and its role in industrialization. We hope to explore the real constraints, emerging opportunities, and practical policy solutions for transforming Nepal’s energy potential into productive economic growth. Please join us and share your perspectives!